CK Utd confirmed as one of 15 clubs to enter new FAI National League
CK Utd are one of the 15 founding members of the new FAI National League third tier
CK United have been confirmed as one of the 15 clubs that will form part of the new FAI National League Tier 3, which is due to kick off in the Autumn of 2026.
This new division of men’s senior football will be the top tier of grassroots football and creates a direct pathway between the grassroots game and the League of Ireland for the first time.
• FAI National League to begin with a truncated season in Autumn 2026 • Four provinces and 10 different counties are represented by the 15 clubs
• Promotion / Relegation to be introduced from the 2027 season
• A final application window is now open for the remaining places The confirmation of the 15 clubs follows an extensive process which saw an initial 67 clubs/entities from around the country express an initial interest in joining the new league. Following a thorough assessment of the criteria, designed to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness, 15 clubs have been formally admitted and will become the league's founding members.
The composition of the league represents every province in Ireland, reinforcing the FAI's commitment to fostering talent and ambition across the entire football community.
• Bonagee United (Donegal) • CK United (Carlow/Kilkenny) • Cockhill Celtic (Donegal) • Home Farm (Dublin) • Killarney Celtic (Kerry) • Letterkenny Rovers (Donegal) • Lucan United (Dublin) • Mayo Football Club (Mayo) • Mervue United (Galway) • Newbridge Town (Kildare) • Salthill Devon (Galway) • St. Francis (Dublin) • TU Dublin (Dublin) • UCC Soccer (Cork) • Villa FC (Waterford)
The league will commence with a truncated introductory season in the Autumn of 2026. From the 2027 season, a clear pathway for promotion to the League of Ireland Men’s First Division will be established. The winners of the North and South divisions will compete in a Play-Off Final to be crowned FAI National League champions. If the Champions have been approved for a First Division licence, they will play against the team that finishes bottom of the First Division in a Promotion / Relegation Play-Off for a place in the second tier.
Clubs still interested in joining the league have a final opportunity to register their interest. This extension period has been granted to allow clubs / entities more time to complete the application process and meet the criteria required. The deadline to apply is Saturday, January 31st, 2026.
In a statement released on their social media pages, CK Utd said:
"This milestone completes the pathway to senior men’s football for all players within our academy, fulfilling a vision that began nearly a decade ago. Our journey started in 2017 with Carlow Juvenile League and Kilkenny District League.
"Today, CK United’s inclusion in the National League brings senior football back to the region, creating opportunities for local players compete against the best talent in the country, just as those leagues originally envisioned.
"This is a historic day for our young club. With this achievement, we now offer a full development pathway to senior football, following closely on the heels of our girls’ academy teams joining Women’s National Development League earlier this year.
"In the weeks and months ahead we look forward to working with local stakeholders, fellow National League clubs and the FAI to promote and grow this exciting new chapter in Irish football.
"Stay tuned for further major announcements regarding club infrastructure and future plans."
FAI Head of Competitions Fran Gavin said: "We're delighted to be able to announce the clubs who will be the founding members of the new FAI National League, and we congratulate them on coming through a rigorous selection process. The clubs have put in a lot of hard work and we're really excited to get started in Autumn 2026 with a shortened, truncated season before the full launch in February 2027.
"As part of the process, we have reopened a short window for final Expressions of Interest for the remaining places. Our priority from day one was not just to hit a number, but to ensure that every club involved was ready to be part of this league. We recognised that a number of clubs were not able to meet the original deadlines, so that is why the portal has reopened to encourage any final applications. Our priority is to have a strong, competitive league, and while we are happy to start with our founding member clubs to ensure the right quality, if there are clubs who now feel that they meet the criteria, we would like to hear from them.”
