The EA SPORTS National Underage Leagues will start on the week ending Sunday, March 6.

Across all age groups, the season will be divided into two phases where the first phase will be based on the geographical location of the clubs. The second phase will be based on league positions from the first phase and will pit teams of a similar standard against each other on a National basis.

There have been a number of developments ahead of the 2022 season which will see an introduction of overage players in the U19 League so that senior players returning from injury or in need of game-time can take part. Also, a limited number of players who are U15 will be allowed to play in the U14 League and those who are U16 will be allowed to play in the U15 League, in a progressive move designed to provide more opportunities for players.

Players in the U14 and U15 league will now also be guaranteed a minimum of 30 minutes playing time where matches will be 90 minutes, split into 3 x 30 minute periods.

League of Ireland Academy Development Manager, Will Clarke: “We are delighted to announce some, new exciting, progressive changes ahead of the upcoming 2022 EA SPORTS National Underage League season and we are confident that these changes will improve the development experience of our young players. Last season was a resounding success and we want to build on that progress.”

League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon: “We are looking forward to the start of the new season and I want to thank our sponsors EA SPORTS for their continued support of the National Underage Leagues. The players and coaches have been working hard in the off season to prepare for the year ahead and after two seasons that have been interrupted by COVID-19 we are hopefully that this year we can have a full and exciting season.”