FAI Launches National League to Bridge Grassroots and Professional Football in Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is initiating a new National League aimed at integrating grassroots and professional football for the first time. The FAI plans to recruit 20 teams, divided into north and south divisions, to participate in a competition that leads to promotion to the League of Ireland Men’s First Division. The league is set to be launched in preparation for a shorter 2026 season and seeks team applications by February 21 of next year.