Antrim Football Thread

Na Glinntí Glasa · January 27, 2026, 09:34:29 AM

It seems that the clubs all voted in favour of this but ill have a chat with them later to find out more detail about it.

Hurling starting 4/5 April, Football 13/14 March. Minor still on a sunday and U16 during the week - same as last year

Edit. not sure about the U20 (or is it U21?) as its only championship

Na Glinntí Glasa · January 27, 2026, 12:05:54 PM

Seems the general idea was that they want clubs to be able to play at underage league games if they are limited for a night with lower numbers rather than not fielding in the game.

Doesn't do much for the other team who maybe has 7/8 subs who sit there and do nothing potentially for a game.

It is only league as championship is 15-a-side and clubs don't have to field any lower than that to suit another side with low numbers.

It isn't uncommon for some teams to field with 13 in games and it happens in camogie as well for underage games.

Again its of no benefit to clubs with decent numbers who see players miss out.

NorthAntrimSaff · January 27, 2026, 02:11:14 PM

Quote from: Na Glinntí Glasa on January 27, 2026, 12:05:54 PMSeems the general idea was that they want clubs to be able to play at underage league games if they are limited for a night with lower numbers rather than not fielding in the game.

Doesn't do much for the other team who maybe has 7/8 subs who sit there and do nothing potentially for a game.

It is only league as championship is 15-a-side and clubs don't have to field any lower than that to suit another side with low numbers.

It isn't uncommon for some teams to field with 13 in games and it happens in camogie as well for underage games.

Again its of no benefit to clubs with decent numbers who see players miss out.

11 aside with a team making 6 subs is a hell of a lot better than a team conceding a game and the 22 starters plus subs getting nothing

Spike · January 27, 2026, 02:33:08 PM

Which or how many clubs in each divisional board are regularly affected by lack of numbers that would force 11-a-side games?

If this is an ongoing problem then we need to restructure things for the betterment of the clubs and the county.

Divisional boards appear to have lost their voice. Perhaps a focus group within each would lead to some original thinking and restructures of competitions and juvenile competitions.

bannside · January 27, 2026, 03:45:37 PM

I see what youre trying to do there Spike, lol.

Spike · January 27, 2026, 04:16:42 PM

Really not trying anything lol

Despite our best intentions we consistently fail to raise underage standards to the appropriate levels in our development squads. well intentioned managers appear to be out of their depth or succumb to using it to get fellow club players on. the system appears broken.

Time for a new one as this isn't working for Antrim. Despite repeated efforts we have not been able to raise the standards of junior and intermediate teams never mind our senior teams.

delgany · January 27, 2026, 04:18:53 PM

A minimum of 11 - a - side applies to U16, U18 & Reserve Football, to ensure fixtures are completed in league.
Unlimited subs as well.
Independent teams (amalgamation) to only use club names.

SaffronSports · January 27, 2026, 04:52:56 PM

It's a difficult situation and I've been on both ends of it. I remember going to camogie matches with 24/25 girls and playing teams who only had 12 or 13 then on the other hand I have coached ladies football teams and went to matches with 12/13 girls. TBH, it's very difficult as you're going in on a full size pitch with less players, no subs to keep it fresh and generally ended up losing those matches but I tried to come with the approach that just getting to test themselves in matches against other teams was of more benefit that endless training sessions.

Milltown Row2 · January 27, 2026, 05:55:40 PM

That's why if a team has 11, amalgamation is the way

Duine Inteacht Eile · January 27, 2026, 07:16:56 PM

No, no, it's the teams with 22 that amalgamate in Antrim.

delgany · January 27, 2026, 08:44:08 PM

I believe that it's a short term situation dropping to 11 for one off games, not on a weekly basis. CCC can check teamsheets & a club's registration per year group on foireann to ensure teams have actual playing numbers.

delgany · January 27, 2026, 11:02:26 PM

I think Down use the following format @ underage, minimum starting numbers
Div 1 - 15
Div 2 - 13
Div 3 - 11
DIV 4 - 9

Though not as many teams in Antrim

Na Glinntí Glasa · January 28, 2026, 08:32:40 AM

It seems the idea is as per what others have said, its better to get kids playing even if there is low numbers.

unlimited subs and its only 25 mins each way but i don't think this is something that will be happening a lot.

Im the same as others here that i have been with teams who have traveled to an away for them to say they only have 12/13/14. We still played the game and worked around the lower numbers just because its better to give everyone who wants a game a run out.

11 a side will have its probs on the big pitch but if the lads from the club who only have the lower numbers get a match its more important.

SaffronSports · January 28, 2026, 11:44:34 AM

It's not ideal but the reality is on any panel, you will have some kids who would walk 20 miles for a match and then you will have some who can take or leave it. If you have a panel of 18-20 say, that number of kids who can't really be arsed are often the difference in getting you over that 15 mark. Lowering the number of kids needed to get a game will 100% help some teams field but there are definitely downsides to it as well, such as it being more taxing on the kids as it's still a full pitch and you usually don't have subs.

podge · January 28, 2026, 11:50:32 AM

Quote from: HTownlad on January 28, 2026, 11:31:47 AMI don't believe the important thing is to get a match!
Why would an u16, let alone an u18 or u20 team only have 11 players?

It might not happen every week but it's obviously a concern if the rule has been worked up, considered and passed.

Whilst it's commendable to be putting the concept that players benefit from this, the reality is they don't.

Clearly you are looking at this from the perspective of a StEndas club who have the pick of almost all of North Belfast and you seem to have little appreciation for some clubs (particularly rural clubs) who really struggle with numbers.

I think this isn't really aimed at teams who have just 11/12 players. It's probably more aimed at clubs who have say 15/16 and are valiantly trying to keep the thing going , but at times in the best with injuries and holidays etc they may be down to 11/12 players. So rather than have games cancelled they can go ahead.

I personally don't see the issue with it. It gets more kids playing and more teams surviving.