The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is looking to recruit 20 teams for a new league that will act as a direct connection between grassroots and professional football for the first time in Ireland.

• Expressions of interests wanted from clubs aspiring to join new FAI National League 

• Creation of an Irish football pyramid in line with the FAI Football Pathways Plan 

• New league will include promotion to the League of Ireland First Division 

• National League set to start in August 2026 as process begins 

• 20 teams required for two divisions, North and South, in one National League 

The FAI is calling all aspiring clubs and administrators to express their interest in becoming one of the 20 teams that will form part of this new era in national football history. This initiative underscores the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and commitment to fostering talent from the grassroots level and ensuring that players and clubs across Ireland can progress to the highest level. 

20 Teams, 2 Divisions, 1 National League – The National League will be integrated into the existing football pyramid in Ireland, offering a clear route for promotion and relegation to and from the League of Ireland. The FAI aims to recruit 20 clubs in total for the new League, split into North and South divisions. The teams will play against other teams in their respective divisions first to qualify for playoffs, where top teams from North and South will compete for a chance to be promoted to the LOI Men’s First Division. Conversely, teams from the LOI Men’s First Division may face relegation to the National League, ensuring a dynamic and competitive structure that continually rewards excellence and development. 

How It Works – The FAI is set to launch the League in preparation for a shorter season in 2026 for alignment with the 2027 League of Ireland calendar. Clubs must express their interest by the 21st February 2025 to be considered for the League. The FAI will then review applications and meet with potential teams to share more information and answer any questions the club may have. The League will act as an independent yet interlinked entity that provides a robust platform for clubs to progress their ambition, as well as an opportunity to be promoted and recognised on a national stage.  

FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham said: "This is the first stage of the creation of a new FAI National League and is an exciting moment for Irish football as we progress another of our 11 key actions aligned with our Football Pathways Plan. The new FAI National League provides a clear pathway and progression from the Amateur game to the League of Ireland and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop our Irish football pyramid now and in the future."

FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott said: "I'd like to thank the working group who've dedicated a lot of hard work and effort behind the scenes to get to where we are today with this announcement. It's a first step on the development of a pyramid for Irish football and we will be working closely with all provincial associations and all existing leagues who will form a core part of the other tiers. We look to engaging with all interested clubs and entities in our new FAI National League."