JUNIOR SOCCER: Sligo-Leitrim clubs given fixtures for SIS Pitches competitions
THE two Junior soccer cup competitions – both sponsored by SIS Pitches – are beginning later this month.
Organised by the Sligo-Leitrim & District Soccer League, the SIS Pitches Super League Cup and the SIS Pitches Premier League Cup offer clubs competitive and meaningful games ahead of the start of the 2021-22 season at the end of August.
Last month clubs voted to cancel the 2020-2021 campaign which had been on hold since last October due to Covid-19 regulations (which have since been reduced to allow for the return of sport).
Eleven of Sligo-Leitrim’s 12 top flight clubs have entered the SIS Pitches Super League Cup, with all 10 of the second tier clubs involved in the SIS Pitches Premier League Cup.
Cliffoney Celtic were initially the only top tier club that opted not to compete in the SIS Pitches Super League Cup. But an update last Sunday revealed that Gurteen Celtic had withdrawn from the SIS Pitches Premier League Cup.
Group games will begin on
Sunday week, June 13, and are scheduled for the next four Sundays (June 20, June 27, July 4 and July
11).
However, clubs have the option to fulfil fixtures either midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday), Friday or Saturday – once notice of seven days is given, both clubs are in agreement and match officials are available. The top two teams in each of the competitions’ two groups progress to the semi-finals. Teams that finìsh third and fourth will go into the Shield section of the respective competitions.
No postponements are allowed – match fees must be shared 50-50 by both clubs. Players have to be registered to play through FAInet (an online platform).
The playing of unregistered players will have consequences – their team will forfeit the game (if won) and face further sanctions.
The finals will be played at MacSharry Park – subject to it being available as it is currently being redeveloped.
If the Sligo town venue is not available then the pitch of one of the finalists will be used (first name drawn from a hat) or a neutral venue.
Clubs must ensure that their pitches are prepared properly, their grounds are in order and that they have public liability insurance in place. Clubs must also check kit colours in advance to avoid a clash of jerseys.
The home team is responsible to calling in the game’s result along with details of any goalscorers (and the times of the goals scored).
Match fees must be paid before kick-off and a car park space must be provided in close proximity to the pitch for the match official(s) involved.
Sligo-Leitrim & District Soccer
Gurteen Celtic’s withdrawal may lead to repercussions
GURTEEN Celtic could be facing sanctions for withdrawing from the upcoming SIS Pitches Premier League Cup.
As of Wednesday of last week Gurteen Celtic were one of 10 participants in the new competition for second tier clubs in the Sligo-Leitrim & District Soccer League.
But on Sunday last an update from the Sligo-Leitrim & District Soccer League revealed Gurteen Celtic’s decision not to play.
Rather than redraw the competition, with new fixtures in Group One, the organisers have given a walkover to each of the clubs that Gurteen Celtic were scheduled to play – Glenview Stars, Dromahair FC, Calry Bohs and Benbulben FC. A statement issued by Noel M Kennedy, administrator of the Sligo-Leitrim & District Soccer League, said: “The SLDSL apologise to the clubs [concerned] but this action is completely outside our remit.”
“However, appropriate disciplinary actions will be implemented as this type of action and lack of consideration to the SLDSL and its affiliates is totally unacceptable.”
League asks that clubs adhere to current Covid-19 regulations as issue by the HSE and government. The Sligo-Leitrim DSL Management Committee decisions are final regarding these competitions.
Long-serving administrator Noel M Kennedy is looking forward to the SIS Pitches-sponsored competitions, with clubs not having played in eight months. “We wish all our clubs an enjoyable and safe return to football,” he said.