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UCC Soccer steps onto a new stage with launch of FAI National League
University College Cork Soccer Club will take its place among the founding clubs of the new Football Association of Ireland (FAI) National League this season, creating a new opportunity for UCC student athletes to compete at national level and marking a significant new chapter for football at the University and in Cork. A launch event took place this week at the Mardyke Pavilion to mark the occasion.
The introduction of the FAI National League represents an exciting opportunity for the development of UCC Soccer and the wider high-performance programme. It gives student athletes the chance to compete at a higher national level while continuing their studies at UCC and provides a platform to keep developing footballers within a university environment.
It is a landmark moment for UCC Soccer to be part of the new FAI National League. As a founding member, the club looks forward to working collaboratively with the FAI and all other clubs in what is a significant step for football pathways and player development. This new men's Third Tier represents a key pillar of the FAI's Football Pathways Plan and aligns strongly with UCC's commitment to excellence, player development, and best practice in sport.
With a proud history of developing players within an educational and high-performance environment, UCC Soccer welcomes the transparent assessment framework outlined by the FAI and looks forward to seeing where this opportunity can take the club in the years ahead.
Greg Yelverton, UCC Soccer Development Officer, said:
"These are exciting times for UCC. This strategic move reflects our commitment to developing the game at UCC while maintaining our core values of education and holistic player development.
“Our ambition is to deliver a programme that prioritises education, performance, and personal growth, ensuring UCC Soccer remains a model for holistic development in Irish football.
“This initiative will provide a clear pathway for players, combining elite soccer with academic achievement, and we hope it will position UCC as a leader in nurturing soccer talent within a university environment.
“Participation in the Third Tier will raise the standard of football for our players and coaches, strengthen pathways for talented student athletes to progress to national senior levels, and enhance UCC's sporting profile nationally, aligning with our strategic vision for soccer development.
“Our three guiding principles for joining the league are clear; creating enhanced player development opportunities for student athletes to compete at a national level and gain exposure to progress to the next level in soccer, exposing our coaches to national competition and investing in education and resources to raise coaching standards and methodologies, and strengthening governance and operational structures to meet national league requirements and ensure sustainability throughout the club.
“We hope to create a club structure that supports the progression route for players, from recreational soccer through local leagues and on to national competition. We will work closely with the FAI and our other affiliates to make this vision a reality."
Brian Lennox, Chairperson, UCC Soccer, said:
"University College Cork is delighted to confirm its inclusion as one of the 16 clubs selected to compete in the new FAI National League. This represents a major milestone for UCC and recognises the strength of our football structures, our commitment to player development, and our long-standing contribution to the game.
“We are extremely excited to be part of this new league and look forward to working closely with the FAI and the 15 other participating clubs as we collectively plan and prepare for the launch of the competition. The league provides an outstanding opportunity to support high-performance football within an educational environment and to contribute to the continued growth of the game in Ireland.
“I would like to acknowledge the players and coaches of the other UCC Soccer teams including both men’s and women’s teams that train so hard every week. UCC is proud to be involved in this next chapter and is fully committed to approaching it with ambition, collaboration, and professionalism."
Robert Lisson, Student Chairman, UCC Soccer, said:
"This is a hugely exciting opportunity for UCC Soccer and, most importantly, for our students. The new FAI National League will give our players the chance to compete at a higher level while continuing to pursue their education and experience university life.
UCC has always been about more than football, and this provides an exciting platform for students to develop as players while also growing academically and personally. We're proud to be part of this next chapter and look forward to helping build an ambitious and competitive environment for current and future UCC players."
Dave Moore, Head Coach of UCC Men's Team, said:
"This is a great opportunity for UCC, and for our players and students, to be involved in a progressive step for the football pyramid in Ireland. The introduction of a third tier will be a significant benefit to the wider football landscape, creating clear pathways and raising standards for players, coaches, and administrators alike. We're excited to work with the FAI and the other clubs as we plan and prepare for the launch of the upcoming season."
Daniel McCarthy, UCC Senior Team Captain, said:
"As players, it's really exciting to see UCC involved in the new third tier. Being part of a progressive step in the football pyramid gives us a clear pathway to improve as players, compete at a higher level, and create a genuine platform to further our careers while representing the university. It's a great opportunity not just for players, but for everyone involved in the club, and we're looking forward to helping make the league a success when it launches in 2027."
Everyone at UCC Soccer is excited by the opportunity to work alongside the FAI and the 15 other clubs involved, helping to shape a competitive, sustainable, and progressive new league that will strengthen player pathways and contribute positively to the future of the domestic game.