The League of Ireland has extended FIFA game series maker EA Sports' sponsorship of its Academy Development Programme for another three years.
Previously named the EA Sports National League of Ireland Underage League, the academy programme has been rebranded as part of "a cultural shift away from a competition-led development environment" for Irish soccer.
The League of Ireland will instead focus on the development of individual players rather than the success of the team at underage level, with the introduction of a predominantly non-competition-based games programme at boys under-14s level.
Various other development events for players of all ages will also be introduced throughout the season, which kicks offs this weekend.
The revamp follows on from the success of the Future Developers concept, minimum game time for players at men's U14 and U15 level, games programme restructure, and increased game time for players in 2022.
In Association with
The EA Sports League of Ireland Academy Development Programme will sit alongside the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, and the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division as the EA Sports LOI Academy.
“We are delighted to announce this extended partnership with EA Sports who have been brilliant supporters of League of Ireland Academy Development Programme in recent years," said Will Clarke, League of Ireland Academy development manager.
"We are entering into a very exciting era in Irish football and the support of EA Sports for the next three seasons will ensure that we can accelerate the progress that has already been made in recent seasons.
"EA Sports have been fantastic partners and we are delighted that EA Sports will continue with us on our journey as we look to ensure that every young boy and girl in Ireland is given the opportunity to maximise their potential.
James Salmon, EA Sports FIFA senior marketing director, said: “We’re delighted to continue our sponsorship with the FAI of the newly renamed, League of Ireland Academy Development Programme after seeing great success over the last two years.
"We’re also delighted to have extended our partnership to become an associate sponsor of the League of Ireland. Supporting all levels of the game is a priority for EA Sports in Ireland and beyond.
"This is an exciting time for all aspiring players, and we look forward to continuing to support clubs, players and fans across the country. Wishing everyone the very best of luck this season.”
The League of Ireland has also announced that St Patrick's Athletic, Longford Town, Drogheda United, Finn Harps and Galway United will join the EA Sports women's under-17 League of Ireland Academy Games Programme this season.
Dundalk, Cobh Ramblers, Treaty United, Waterford and Galway United will progress to WU19 level, and Klub Kildare and CK United will go to MU19 level.
Additionally, the winners of the EA Sports MU17 League of Ireland will go on to represent Ireland at UEFA Youth League level in 2024/25.
The 2023 will also see the commencement of the League of Ireland Academy Certification process, part of the long-term plan to modernise player development within the programme.
League of Ireland envisages that the process will challenge and support clubs to improve their standards on and off the pitch through effective measurement, benchmarking and objective evaluation of quality assurance and productivity within the academy system.
Photo: Jessie Stapleton of Shelbourne at the launch of the EA Sports LOI Academy development programme held at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. (Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile)
