The DDSL have today announced that they have reversed their decision to change structures to U11 and U12 football following an intervention from the FAI.
The country's biggest schoolboy league were met with derision following their announcement that from the league's resumption in September, U11 matches will be 9-a-side and U12 leagues will switch to full-sized 11-a-side formats.
The league had originally adhered to most elements FAI's Player Development Plan, which sees teams at U11 level play 7-a-side and U12 play 9-a-side. It wasn't the first time that the league went against elements of the plan, with the DDSL spearheading a move to ensure that seasons stuck to a winter campaign, rather than a summer season akin to the national league.
The DDSL's original decision was taken seemingly unbeknownst to clubs, with Shelbourne's schoolboy section sending an email to various schoolboy clubs asking for clarity regarding the decisions made by the DDSL's board.
However, the DDSL have now walked back on their original decision, stating that there will be no changes to the structures at U11 and U12 levels for the upcoming season.
In a statement, the DDSL announced that they had reversed their decision following talks with Gary Owens and Niall Quinn of the FAI, as well as taking into account the "views expressed by our clubs & volunteers".
The DDSL also stated that there would be no further changes to the formatting of the upcoming season.
You can read the full statement below:
Following a constructive and positive meeting with FAI CEO Mr Gary Owens and Deputy CEO Mr Niall Quinn on Thursday 18th June and taking into account the views expressed by our clubs & volunteers there will be no changes to the playing formats for U12 and U11 age groups for the coming season.
The Dublin & District Schoolboys/Girls' League now welcome the opportunity to be involved in the review of the Grassroots plan and the option to provide the relevant input for the betterment of schoolboy football.
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