Last updated : Sunday, 30 June 2024
About the NIBFA National League
The Northern Ireland Boys' Football Association (NIBFA) National Youth League is an amateur football league for boys and girls aged 12 to 18. It was established in 2008 and currently has over 140 member clubs.
The league is divided into six age groups: U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18. Each age group has a league table and a cup competition. The league also has a development squad for players aged 16 and 17.
The NIBFA National League is a competitive league with a strong emphasis on development. The league provides a pathway for young players to progress to higher levels of football. Many former players of the league have gone on to play professional football, including Kyle Lafferty, Stuart Dallas, and Conor Washington.
History
The NIBFA National League was established in 2008 by the Northern Ireland Boys' Football Association. The league was formed in response to a growing demand for a more competitive youth football league in Northern Ireland.
The inaugural season of the NIBFA National League saw 45 teams compete in three age groups: U12, U14, and U16. The league has since grown to over 140 member clubs and now offers six age groups.
The NIBFA National League has been a successful league since its inception. The league has produced a number of talented players who have gone on to play professional football. The league has also helped to develop the standard of youth football in Northern Ireland.