FAI welcome return of under-17 and under-19 National League football

The Football Association of Ireland has welcomed news that the FAI Underage National Leagues for under-17s and under-19s can recommence.

They can return to play this weekend which allows both leagues to complete their 2020 season.

A decision was made to allow football to return at this level following talks between the FAI and Minister Chambers and Minister Catherine Martin.

“This is great news for our players in the Under 19 and Under 17 National Leagues and we thank the Ministers and their colleagues in the Department and Sport Ireland for their help in getting these boys and girls back on the pitch,” FAI CEO Johnathan Hill said.

“We see this as another step forward in getting all football back in action as soon as it safe and feasible in these COVID-19 times.”

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon added: “This welcome decision will allow us to complete the full series of games in our Boys Under 19 and Under 17 and Girls Under 17 FAI National Leagues between now and the end of December.

“For the Under 19s, it means they will end their underage careers with the completion of their League seasons and that is great news for them and also for the champions in waiting as they will represent Ireland in next season’s UEFA Youth League.”