William Patten

The SFC, Drumcondra AFC, CLG Na Fianna

[Tommy Martin @TommyMartinVM]

Well done lads for keeping this topic on the agenda after debates about soccer calendar seemed to have gone quiet following the ill-fated FAI Pathways Plan.

As someone coaching underage soccer in Dublin, what we are offering kids at the moment is not good enough. Aside from the elite few, the majority of grassroots clubs are dependent on grass pitches, usually public parks.

So in a bad winter like this - which is not an outlier - pitches can be off for weeks upon weeks between November and March. Kids are getting the odd game here and there, if they are lucky, when an astro is available or the weather relents. Fixtures are issued every week and you feel like a dope going out to parents with details of games you know won't take place.

In winters like this, the soccer season in Dublin amounts to a few games in September & October and then a rush of games in March - May. Then for the best months of weather in Ireland - nothing. The DDSL had a 'silent sideline' initiative last weekend - the irony being that the sidelines were silent due to mass postponements.

This is not meant as a go at the FAI or, in this case, the DDSL. More to ask why we can't do better?
- More government spending on municipal or multisport all-weather pitches, naturally.
- Indoor futsal or small sided astro tournaments for the worst of the winter months.
- Make the most of the better months by running juvenile season up till end of June and starting end of August as per school calendar (as Dublin GAA do).
- Worried about numbers during the summer holiday season? Organise small sided tournaments.

Most of all, ask what's in the kids interests, rather than managers and clubs who want to win trophies or political battles between administrative vested interests. Kids just want to play games.

[Drumcondra AFC @AfcDrumcondra]

Reminder of a great initiative for a great cause by our next door neighbours https://t.co/Bed7CdLbI7

[Drumcondra AFC @AfcDrumcondra]

Great initiative from our local neighbours in aid of a great cause. https://t.co/Bed7CdLJxF

[Drumcondra AFC @AfcDrumcondra]

For those that can’t attend this special occasion please see the link to donate for a great cause

https://t.co/pwim5lT2XJ

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

Congrats to Nina and Elyse who were part of the Dublin U23 Camogie All-Ireland winning team today!

#NaFiannaAbú💙💛 #COYGIB

[Drumcondra AFC @AfcDrumcondra]

Sign up for the Shelbourne FC summer camp in partnership with Drumcondra AFC. July 21st to 25th for boys and girls 5-13. Sign up by 18th May to secure a spot. See below some of the excitement

[Drumcondra AFC @AfcDrumcondra]

Big congrats to our U14-9 team who won the DDSL Pat Tiernan cup final over Templeogue in a dramatic penalty shoot out in the AUL on Saturday. Great result @AfcDrumcondra #upthedrums 🏆🇺🇦🇺🇦

[Shelbourne FC @shelsfc]

A new era for @LeagueofIreland 📺

We’re delighted to welcome @VirginMediaIE as the exclusive home of the LOI on broadcast television for the next four years.

The deal will see 36 games covered for each round in the Premier Division from this season.

#DublinsFinest | #Since1895

[Shelbourne FC @shelsfc]

Comhghairdeas @clgNaFianna 🏆

Massive congratulations to our neighbours Na Fianna on winning the All Ireland Club Hurling Championship

The Reds 🤝 Na Fianna

Champions of Ireland

#DublinsFinest | #Since1955

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

Thank you @AfcDrumcondra

We’ll see you all Sunday!

#NaFiannaAbú💙💛

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

What a sight!

Our clubhouse and marquee are all set for Na Fianna Final Fiesta!

#NaFiannaAbú💙💛

[Drumcondra AFC @AfcDrumcondra]

Best of luck to @clgNaFianna Senior Hurlers in the AIB All Ireland Senior Hurling Final in Croke Park on Sunday. A number of former Drums players are in the panel and we wish you all the best from @AfcDrumcondra. 🇺🇦

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

🚨 Here we go! 🚨

Na Fianna Final Fiesta..

Sunday is the big one... and what a day we have in store.

Music with TomFla before we parade to Croker, Paul Stone serenading us on our return before we welcome our heroes home.

Food, drink, craic agus ceol. Sure where else would you want to be!

#NaFiannaAbú💙💛

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

Our full schedule of events for the Na Fianna Final Fiesta are now available using the link below.

What a weekend we have in store!

#NaFiannaAbú💙💛

https://t.co/KJJZ1qZtWn

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

🚨 Here we go! 🚨

Na Fianna Final Fiesta..

Our last reveal for Sunday. As we finish out the weekend in style with DJ's AbStylez and Nathan Bradshaw!

#NaFiannaAbú💙💛

[Dublin GAA @DubGAAOfficial]

🎅🎅

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

It’s a Christmas Miracle 🎅🏼

With huge thanks to Darina Gallagher, introducing the Na Fianna Christmas Number One!

“Stacey Baby!”

#NaFiannaAbú💙💛 @DubGAAOfficial

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

Annette was a Na Fianna stalwart and a great club member. Wishing everyone involved on the day the best of luck from all of us here on Mobhí Road 💙💛

[CLG Na Fianna @clgNaFianna]

@shelsfc Annette was a Na Fianna stalwart and a great club member. Wishing everyone involved on the day the best of luck from all of us here on Mobhí Road 💙💛

[Shelbourne FC @shelsfc]

This Saturday 14th at 2pm, the Shels Legends will take on the Killester Donnycarney Legends in the Annette Howlett Memorial Cup Match in support of AH Breast Cancer Ireland. 🩷
Sean Boyd accompanied by the LOI Trophy will be there for photos.

Donate ⬇️
https://t.co/F1L8D4krTJ