New Under 16 Football Competition to be Introduced
Brian McGuire, CEO Cental and main sponsor of the 2024 U16 football championship 2024 and some of the players involved Photo: Thomas Nolan Photography.
“The aim is to increase playing standards across all levels starting with under 16 (football).”
So said Robert Sansom the Carlow GAA Head of Games at the launch of the new Regional under 16 football championship which will throw in on October 18th when the underage club season is over.
Four regional teams will be joined by the under 15 Colts and the winners of the under 16 football championship in a six-team group. They will play off against each other every Friday evening (7.00pm, 7.15pm and 7.30pm) with a finals and shield night taking place in November.
“It is a unique competition. The aim is to produce a really high competitive league,” envisaged Sansom.
“A feast of football of a really high standard.” The four regional teams have been named after the four stands in Croke Park. These are North Nally, Carlow Davin, South-West Cusack and East Hogan.
“It is something we have put a lot of work into over the last 3 to 5 months. Talking to clubs and the County Board we think this is going to be something which is hugely beneficial for everyone in Carlow. Not just this year but going forward for the next three, four and five years. We see this as a long-term project,” explained Sansom.
“It will bring great excitement. It is something all the lads can look forward to and something they can stick their teeth into.” Each region will be supplied by a Custom jersey with the sponsor’s name, Cental, on the front.
The Colts will wear their traditional yellow jersey and the county champions will also wear their own club jersey. Each region will be limited to four teams only and, for example, if Bagenalstown Gaels were to win retain their county championship this year then a club from another region such as Tinryland will move from Carlow Davin to the South West Cusack region.
Teams will also be coached by neutral managers and there is no limit on the number of players from individual clubs going forward to play with their regional team.
It has been recommended that teams train once a week either on a Tuesday or Wednesday night with venues rotating throughout the season. If a team decides they will train at one venue for the whole competition then that is not a problem for the organisers.
“I think this will grow exponentially. We have it at under 16 this year. Why cannot we have it at under 14 next year? Not alone that why can’t we build it into under 14 and under 16 hurling as well?” pointed out Sansom who confirmed that when the coaches and managers have been finalised an information evening will take place.
It was also confirmed that the matches will be recorded each night with highlights going out on social media. It is also hoped that one match a week will be streamed on Facebook, You Tube or another suitable host.
Regional Teams North Nally: St Patricks, Rathvilly, Grange, Clonmore.
Carlow Davin: Palatine, Tinryland, O’Hanrahans, Asca, Éire Óg.
South-West Cusack: Mount Leinster Rangers, Bagenalstown Gaels, Michael Davitts, St Mullins.
East Hogan: Fenagh, Naomh Eoin, St Martins, Kildavin-Clonegal.
Alex Donnelly-Finn (Éire Óg) It will be good for smaller clubs who will get more competition. It will suit the bigger clubs too who will have more competition. Playing the under 15 side will be good experience for everyone. It will help to improve our skills and I am looking forward to it.
Paddy Nolan (Grange) It is an interesting night here. I think it is very good. Coming from a small club myself, it is good to get the opportunity to play at a higher level. I am looking forward to playing with fellas I went to school with and playing with and against intercounty players. It is an honour to represent my club and the region.
