Local football clubs and community leaders in Galway have united in opposition to the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI ) plan to overhaul the traditional Irish football season, warning that the proposed changes could cause chaos for grassroots clubs and threaten decades of local sporting tradition.
Cllr Andrew Reddington, speaking at Galway County Council, highlighted the widespread discontent among Galway’s clubs, with 77% voting against the FAI’s plan to shift all Irish football to a calendar-year season. Under the proposals, clubs would be required to register in February each year, with phased implementation for different age groups over the next three years.
“This plan is not only disruptive but also unfair to grassroots clubs, especially in rural areas,” Cllr Reddington said.
“Many clubs rely heavily on volunteers, coaches, and referees, many of whom are involved in both GAA and soccer. Forcing a change like this could overburden these dedicated individuals and diminish participation, particularly among young players.”
The Galway Football Association (GFA ), one of the country’s largest regional bodies, has also voiced opposition, arguing that local leagues should retain the flexibility to set their own schedules. “Grassroots leagues have thrived for generations based on local needs and traditions,” a GFA spokesperson said. “The FAI’s one-size-fits-all approach ignores this community-centric model.”
Rural clubs, in particular, are concerned about the impact, citing limited resources and the long-standing volunteer ethos that sustains them. Many have benefited from government-funded facilities but fear the new proposals could undermine their efforts and reduce participation among youth.
“This is a direct hit to rural communities, who have built their clubs through hard work and community spirit,” Cllr Reddington added. “The FAI cannot simply walk over these communities and expect everything to stay the same.”
There are also concerns about the mental health of young players, who already face pressures from multiple sports and training commitments. The phased approach, which would see U-5 to U-12 players move in 2026, U-13 to U-16 in 2027, and all other sections in 2028, has been described as “insane” by critics, who warn it could lead to increased stress and reduced enjoyment of the game.
In response, Galway County Council has called on the FAI to reconsider the plans, urging the national body to allow local clubs the autonomy to choose schedules that best suit their communities.
“We are at a crossroads,” Cllr Reddington concluded. “This is about protecting our sport, our communities, and the future of grassroots participation. We need a collaborative approach, not top-down mandates that threaten to divide us.”
He stated that Cllr Pádraig Mac an Iomaire had also received an equal amount of correspondence from the North Galway and Connemara region regarding these plans, and they both came together to compile the motion.The council’s motion now calls for official correspondence with the FAI, asking them to allow for greater flexibility and local input in scheduling decisions.
