CK United learn opponents for inaugural FAI league season as local derby confirmed
The new season will mark the first time FAI league competition has taken place in Kilkenny in over 15 years
CK United now know who they’ll face in the first edition of the FAI National League, with local derbies against Waterford’s Villa FC the standout fixtures to be marked on the calendar as the upcoming format was revealed on Wednesday morning.
The league’s fifteen founding members will be split into three groups of five, with Killarney Celtic, Newbridge Town FC and UCC Soccer making up the rest of Group 3 alongside United and Villa.
The season commences in late August with each team playing every side in their group home and away before the three group winners and best runner-up advance to the semi-finals.
The winners of these will face off in the final in November to conclude the shortened first season which will be followed by the first full National League campaign next February.
Group 1 consists of Donegal’s Bonagee United and Cockhill Celtic, Home Farm DCU and Lucan United of Dublin, and Galway’s Mervue United.
In Group 2, Letterkenny Rovers, Mayo FC, Salthill Devon and TUD and St Francis of Dublin have been drawn together.
CK United have been working to restore Buckley Park in time for the new league season and their women’s side have made a strong start to life in senior football over recent months.