 |
 |
 |
 |
| Irish Soccer > Football Leagues of Ireland > Amateur Football League |
 |
AFL
|
AFL BackgroundThe Amateur Football League began life in May 1954 in Dublin, Ireland and at the time was called the Dublin Amateur Football League. The AFL was established to nurture soccer amongst amateur footballers that wanted to play in a competitive environment. The League is administered by volunteers on behalf of AFL member soccer clubs with the objective of creating a sporting and impartial environment for the benefit of each member club equally. AFL Soccer Club Membership Growth and DevelopmentInitially the AFL comprised twelve teams playing their matches on Saturdays. In 1979 the league membership had climbed to 121 football clubs and 222 teams. Currently the League provides football for almost 700 teams. In 1985 the AFL became the first league affiliated to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to establish its' own dedicated sports and administration centre. At a cost of approximately €688K the AFL Coaching and Development Centre, as it is known, was officially opened by Jim Tunney TD in September of that year. While the AFL did receive some grant-aid from the Irish Government over 80% of the cost was raised by AFL member soccer clubs. AFL Football Coaching & Development CentreIn 2001 the Trustees of The AFL began negotiations with representatives of the North Dublin Schoolboy / Girl League with a view to a merger of both organisations in an effort to further enhance the the Coaching and Development Centre for Football. Dublin Council officials sanctioned the merger and with further financial support from the Irish Department of Sport the Oscar Traynor Coaching & Development Centre was opened. A separate company was formed to develop the football centre to the benefit of both football leagues. The lease on the property provides for the facility to be used only for the development of Association Football. The centre includes a top of the range grass pitch, with a sprinkler and drainage system, and an all weather artificial soccer pitch with flood lighting. The centre has hosted an U16's UEFA championship soccer match. 
Future Developments for the AFLContinuing development of the centre is ongoing with significant funding being made available by the FAI and the Irish Sports Council. While the facilities are very professional the AFL is keen to continue the spirit of volunteerism and to maintain the amateur ethos in Irish soccer. AFL Soccer Referee PanelFor a list of referees affiliated to the Amateur Football League click AFL Referee Panel AFL Soccer Roll of Honour
AFL Soccer Competitions
AFL Contact Details
AFL Soccer Rules
AFL Soccer Clubs |
Custom Search
|
|
Soccer Ireland - Saipan Incident - Link to Soccer Ireland - Contact Us - sitemap - Saipan sitemap - © 2009-2010 Soccer-Ireland.com. All rights reserved |