Summer soccer will be 'detrimental' to clubs Kilkenny TD claims

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Peter 'Chap' Cleere has voiced his concerns over proposals to switch the Kilkenny and District League (KDL) season and many others across the country to 'summer' or 'calendar year' soccer.

Currently, over 65% of Ireland’s 72 leagues operate on a winter season, but these leagues will now transition on a phased basis over the next four years. The change is hoped to bring numerous benefits, including improved pitch conditions, fewer fixture disruptions due to weather and better opportunities for player development.

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The end result meant from 2026 onwards, five to 12-year-olds will operate on that schedule, with FAI national competitions also being run across the same year, 13 to 16-year-olds would switch to that schedule from 2027 with all remaining youth and adult leagues making the move in 2028.

"I feel that this proposal will have a detrimental on member's wellbeing," Deputy Cleere claimed.

"I know through my own participation in sport and even my daughters' participation in sport, if you put the GAA against soccer, the majority of people will pick GAA and that will have a negative impact on the club's and the communities," he added.

Hear more about the proposals on the latest Kilkenny People Sport Podcast below: