Third Tier Talk - A Championship Mk II

**DonegalHoop** · 06/12/2024, 10:50 AM

So where do LOI B teams fit in to an amateur 3rd tier?

**legendz** · 06/12/2024, 1:01 PM

Originally Posted by DonegalHoop

So where do LOI B teams fit in to an amateur 3rd tier?

If they see value in fielding a second team at the only level where there will be minimal complaints about it, that's where they'll fit in.

**culloty82** · 12/12/2024, 3:40 PM

Officially launched today - FAI aiming for 20 teams between the two National League sections, and First Division clubs may face relegation - not sure whether that implies a playoff, or merely that the NL clubs would have to be compliant with FD licensing requirements:

**Buckett** · 12/12/2024, 5:53 PM

Hard to be optimistic when it comes to the FAI but this would be a great development. It would probably mean an expanded FAI Cup and possibly the return of the League Cup too.

**BoyInGreen** · 12/12/2024, 6:14 PM

Originally Posted by Buckett

Hard to be optimistic when it comes to the FAI but this would be a great development. It would probably mean an expanded FAI Cup and possibly the return of the League Cup too.

The video that went along with it suggests that teams that take part will automatically qualify for the FAI Cup.

**Buckett** · 12/12/2024, 6:23 PM

Thanks, I didn't see the video, just the article in the Indo. That's good to hear.

**exiled_gufc_fan** · 12/12/2024, 6:32 PM

Video is here: https://youtu.be/ykXgHECrhCE?si=karM3fzPOk90ZLZs

**legendz** · 12/12/2024, 7:57 PM

The detail on promotion and relegation isn't clear yet. Also the detail on what is required for a First Division licence is not clear either. Must all clubs have academy structures in place etc. as part of the licencing?
It is an important level to get established anyways. From there it will be a matter of establishing links from district leagues to regional leagues and then to the new Third Tier.

**nr637** · 13/12/2024, 9:40 AM

Ideally the FAI will want new teams outside of the existing league teams areas. Most league teams now have associations & connections with the underage leagues in their area. The Kerry FC model is the template for new clubs I would expect. The likes of Mayo FC, CK United and I suppose teams from areas especially that the league has no representation, Kildare for example, but other areas like Monaghan, Kilkenny or Thurles could be revived too! There are a lot of bigger junior clubs around the country that could be looking at this as well, as some have better facilities and structure in place that would rival existing clubs!

**pineapple stu** · 13/12/2024, 9:47 AM

It'll be very interesting to see how much bite there is for this. I hope the sales pitch to clubs is better than in that tweet. No indication as to whether B teams will be involved. Clubs will need more than a confirmed FAI Cup spot and a marketing-speak explanation of what promotion and relegation is to jump I would have thought.

I can't see it going ahead - 20 new teams in the next two months?

**timothydec77** · 13/12/2024, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by nr637

Ideally the FAI will want new teams outside of the existing league teams areas. Most league teams now have associations & connections with the underage leagues in their area. The Kerry FC model is the template for new clubs I would expect. The likes of Mayo FC, CK United and I suppose teams from areas especially that the league has no representation, Kildare for example, but other areas like Monaghan, Kilkenny or Thurles could be revived too! There are a lot of bigger junior clubs around the country that could be looking at this as well, as some have better facilities and structure in place that would rival existing clubs!

In your situation stronger Intermediate clubs would be left out.

Monaghan always drew on players from outside county. Kilkenny likewise.

Thurles refused to enter the Munster Senior League.

UCC for example in far better shape than mentioned to be sustainable.

**legendz** · 13/12/2024, 12:15 PM

The A Championship only had 8 first team clubs over 4 years but all did not participate in each of the 4 years.
Great things were expected from the A Championship as well in terms of attracting new clubs. The FAI National League seems to be looking for dependability that has not been proven, except for a handful of clubs who have joined the academy leagues.

**Martinho II** · 13/12/2024, 2:13 PM

Seen a very good article online yesterday Monaghan Utd are playing in USL and still playing in Gortakeegan. Would love to see them back in or an algamation with the Cavan League too?

**nigel-harps1954** · 13/12/2024, 2:26 PM

Originally Posted by Martinho II

Seen a very good article online yesterday Monaghan Utd are playing in USL and still playing in Gortakeegan. Would love to see them back in or an algamation with the Cavan League too?

There is no USL and Monaghan didn't play the final year of it either. They scraped through one season in USL and went back to Monaghan/Cavan league.

**EatYerGreens** · 13/12/2024, 2:36 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

It'll be very interesting to see how much bite there is for this. I hope the sales pitch to clubs is better than in that tweet. No indication as to whether B teams will be involved. Clubs will need more than a confirmed FAI Cup spot and a marketing-speak explanation of what promotion and relegation is to jump I would have thought.

I can't see it going ahead - 20 new teams in the next two months?

Very strange language from the FAI in that video - asking for expressions of interest "from clubs and entities". Presumably that means they're hoping the Qatari and Saudi Sovereign Wealth Funds will take an interest in having a harse in the evolving Irish footbaling pyramid

**EatYerGreens** · 13/12/2024, 2:39 PM

Originally Posted by legendz

The A Championship only had 8 first team clubs over 4 years but all did not participate in each of the 4 years.
Great things were expected from the A Championship as well in terms of attracting new clubs. The FAI National League seems to be looking for dependability that has not been proven, except for a handful of clubs who have joined the academy leagues.

The league is in a much different and stronger position now than it was even back in the 'A Chamoionship' days. There is significantly more support and money around Irish football, and Rovers form in Europe will have done a huge amount to boost the domestic game as well (especially as they weren't even our best team last season!). A lot of the previous reticence to joining the LOI that used to exist around the country will start to dissolve as a result of all of this, as we're becoming a much more credible and attractive entity. It just needs the FAI tp up the prize money significantly to crack the old problem that it could actually cost clubs to step up to the senior levels - and therefore not worth risking the rest of their structures for.

**Larry 'da' Wyse** · 13/12/2024, 3:40 PM

Originally Posted by nr637

Ideally the FAI will want new teams outside of the existing league teams areas. Most league teams now have associations & connections with the underage leagues in their area. The Kerry FC model is the template for new clubs I would expect. The likes of Mayo FC, CK United and I suppose teams from areas especially that the league has no representation, Kildare for example, but other areas like Monaghan, Kilkenny or Thurles could be revived too! There are a lot of bigger junior clubs around the country that could be looking at this as well, as some have better facilities and structure in place that would rival existing clubs!

Can't see an appetite for this in Thurles. Could be wrong. Reckon Clonmel (bigger population) or Tipp Town with St. Michaels would be a better option. Cahir Park seem to have a really decent set-up too. I wonder if any of these clubs would be interested in the new venture. Will be interesting to see ...