In a groundbreaking initiative, the Dublin District Schoolboy’s League (DDSL) has conducted one of the largest youth football surveys ever in Ireland, gathering insights from 5,220 players, parents, volunteers, referees, past players, and others involved in the game.
The message is loud and clear: Football needs to be more than competition – it must be enjoyable for all!
This landmark survey of all stakeholders, has been conducted in partnership with S3 Solutions as part of the DDSL’s strategic planning process, ensuring that the findings directly shape the delivery of youth football in Dublin and surrounding areas over the next four years.
By engaging such a diverse group of respondents, the DDSL is ensuring that the voices of everyone involved in the game are heard and acted upon.
Key messages from the survey:
- If it stops being fun, they’ll stop taking part. This includes players, coaches and volunteers, referees and all others involved in the game.
- Children should be able to enjoy football in a safe environment. Player enjoyment, safety and wellbeing is paramount and should always be prioritised over winning.
- Volunteers give up lots of their own time. They need to be supported to get involved and stay involved.
- Referees are in it for the love of the game, but they get a hard time. The game day experience needs to improve.
- Very clear views from stakeholders when they want to play! The majority scheduling holidays/breaks in July/August and almost 90% want to play in Sept/Oct/Nov.
“Our goal has always been to enhance the youth football experience for everyone involved.
“This survey provides a clear, data-driven mandate: we need to refocus on fun, inclusivity, and long-term engagement, not just results,” said Barry Ferguson, Director of Football in the DDSL.
The survey’s results underline the importance of keeping young players engaged by making football a positive, supportive environment—not just for the kids, but for volunteers and referees too.
A game that is enjoyable for everyone is a game that will thrive.
“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences,” added Niall O Driscoll, Chairman of the DDSL.
“It is now our job to support the needs of our 130 plus clubs and all stakeholders involved in the DDSL.
“Their feedback is invaluable in ensuring that youth football continues to grow and thrive in Dublin and surrounding areas.
“The success will be measured by listening and delivering what all stakeholders for children’s football in the capital and indeed further afield.”