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Clubs lining up to enter next season's SSE Airtricity First Division

Several entities have made public their interest in playing in next season's SSE Airtricity First...



Clubs lining up to enter next...
Soccer

Clubs lining up to enter next season's SSE Airtricity First Division

Several entities have made public their interest in playing in next season's SSE Airtricity First Division. 

Last week, the FAI's National League Executive Committee invited expressions of interest from clubs outside the league.

All interested clubs have until close of business on Tuesday (November 10) to state their intentions for the 2021.

Limerick-based Treaty United, Dublin club St. Francis, Carlow-Kilkenny FC and Wexford upstart Yola FC have all come forward with proposals.

Treaty United were set up following the expulsion of Limerick FC from the League of Ireland, and have been in existence for ten months.

They've fielded teams in the Women's National League, and the men's U17 league.

Based out of The Liberties in Dublin, St. Francis had been a League of Ireland club for four seasons from 1996 to 2000 before withdrawing.

In a statement, St. Francis wrote, "It is potentially an aim of the club to regain its League of Ireland status as part of the many development pathways we want to offer for our members of all ages and the local community that St Francis serves.

"As such we have written to the FAI to express an interest in rejoining the league of Ireland; and have asked for a meeting to consider the feasibility either now or in the future of having, not just a Senior team, but underage teams for both boys and girls, playing in the national leagues.
Kilkenny has been without a League of Ireland club since Kilkenny City folded in 2008.
Carlow-Kilkenny FC are looking to see the region have a foothold in senior football once again, having fielded underage sides since 2018.
The FAI say, "Potential new applicant clubs/entities will be assessed across the following criteria: Sporting, Infrastructure / Facilities, Administrative, Legal & Governance, Finance, Community Development and Marketing & Communications.

"Clubs/entities joining the League of Ireland will be required to enter into a Participation Agreement with the FAI, which sets out the terms and conditions which each participant club/entity agree to adhere to including Commercial Rules, Club Licensing Process, Disciplinary Procedures and Anti-Doping Programme."

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Carlow Kilkenny FC First Division League Of Ireland SSE Airtricity First Division St. Francis Treaty United