Mixed reaction to first season of summer soccer

 

By James Hanly

 

The North Tipperary District League piloted summer soccer for the first time in 2019 with the aim of improving conditions for players to perform in compared to the winter months and to keep more players in the game.

However, teething problems have emerged that need addressing if summer soccer is to continue. Many put the main problem with the summer season down clubs now having to compete with local GAA teams for players. This has been noticed in the Junior League with six teams opting out of the league from the previous season, including both BT Harps 'A' and 'B' teams.

When asked about the sudden loss of players, BT Harp’s Junior Secretary Richie Kennedy said: “The turnaround between the two seasons was very tight, especially because we were one of the last teams to finish up.”

He added: “With the window so short and the GAA season coming fairly close behind it lads were (in two minds) whether they would play soccer this year.”

After a very successful year at underage level, BT Harps are hoping to make to make a return to Junior football next season.

 

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