‘Let us play’: Young Limerick soccer stars benched in shock 'termination of their season'

THERE are high-level political and sporting efforts to try and resolve a stand-off which has left some of the most talented young soccer stars in Limerick and the country with no matches to play.

Limerick FC personnel, senior politicians and parents are all trying to find a resolution with the FAI for Limerick FC’s 40 underage academy players to get back on the field.

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Pat O’Sullivan, club owner and president, informed the FAI on Friday that Limerick FC’s U15 and U17 teams participation in the National Academy League 2025 will cease from that date, in documentation seen by the Limerick Leader.

The teams’ games on Saturday had to be called off at short notice. The move  left the players “devastated” and their parents furious.  It was due to be the start of phase two of their seasons with 28 games to be played  over the summer.

The players held up signs saying 'Let Us Play' (pictured below) at possibly their final training session on Monday night in Seanchoill Sports Complex, Corbally.

After the Limerick FC secretary, Mr Freyne, was informed of the decision on Friday he contacted Mr O’Sullivan, who he says agreed to retract his earlier email subject to others assuming the financial and administration responsibilities of running the academy. 

A further email, also seen by the Leader with Mr O'Sullivan’s name at the bottom, states: “I would like to retract my earlier message in reference to withdrawing Limerick FC from the LOI academy. I apologise, as I sent this in a time when I thought there were no other options.” 

The email goes on to say “please accept that Mr Freyne and Frankie Daly will continue to run Limerick FC Academy for the remainder of 2025”.

The club secretary said the FAI accepted the first email from Mr O'Sullivan but there has been no reply to the retraction email. The FAI has not replied to a query from the Limerick Leader at this time.

Mr O’Sullivan told this newspaper:  “I will not be issuing a statement at this time.” “If I wish to issue a statement I will be doing it in my own time on the Limerick FC Facebook page,” he wrote in an email response.

The Limerick FC secretary said he and Cllr Daly with the support of others and parents would endeavour to ensure the  teams   finish the season by fundraising.

“A number of good people are willing to take on this responsibility. We have proposed several constructive solutions to the FAI. Will the FAI support us is the bottom line? We would  be open to anything that would allow us keep playing,” said the secretary, Mr Freyne, who spoke of the negative effect this decision has had on the players. 

The Leader has received a number of emails from angry parents. One mum said her son isn’t doing well mentally after hearing of the decision to withdraw the club.

“I’m sure it is the case for all of the boys at the moment. He's not eating or sleeping since we heard the news. We are taking him to the doctor on Friday morning. Thanks so much for everything you are doing to keep them together, we are so very grateful to you,” she wrote.

The club secretary appealed to all parties to prioritise the welfare of the children impacted by the situation. 

“Forty young players, whose lives are deeply invested in this club, are now facing the abrupt and unacceptable end of their season. These dedicated athletes train rigorously, adhere to comprehensive development programs, and have cultivated strong bonds through their commitment to the academy. They proudly represent their community in competitions nationwide.

“The sudden termination of their season, communicated with virtually no notice, has had a devastating effect. We urgently request the FAI to reconsider this decision and allow these boys to complete their season,” said the secretary.

A number of politicians including Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State Niall Collins, Deputy Richard O’Donoghue and Cllr Daly are making representations for the players.