Late Night Leagues launched in Tallaght Stadium

The League of Ireland may have ended recently, but on Monday night the 2012/2013 Late Night Leagues were launched in Tallaght Stadium.

The Football Association of Ireland, An Garda Síochána and Dublin Local Authorities are jointly involved with this league which is a diversionary programme for young people at various locations across Dublin. The aim of the league, which has been in existence since 2008, is to get these young people who come from disadvantaged areas involved with sport and away from anti-social behaviour.

The statistics seem to support the effectiveness of this programme. During the six week period when the Late Night Leagues were taking place last year, public order offences involving youths aged 13-18 reduced by 21% across the sub-districts were the leagues were in place.

“The programme continues to provide opportunities for young people and local Gardaí to engage with each other in a social environment. This can only be a positive development, which will lead to an improved policing service and ultimately to safer communities,” Garda Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region, John Twomey says.

“In addition the Late Night Leagues would not work but only for the commitment and enthusiasm of our Partners, the FAI and the Local County and City Councils. I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the FAI Development Officers and local Gardaí for their expertise and commitment to such a valuable initiative.”

Speaking at the launch Irish international Kieren Westoood, who attended with Stephen Kelly and Stephen Ward, offered his endorsement for the programme.

“Growing up, I knew so many people who would have loved to get involved in something like this had it been organised at the time. I knew a lot of lads with potential, but who did not commit themselves to football. Listening to all the great stories that have come from this programme shows the great work that the programme has done to date.”

The locations of the Late Night League are as follows:

Dublin North: Balbriggan, Darndale, Ballymun, Skerries & Lusk, Swords

Dublin West : Finglas, Corduff, Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot

Dublin North Central : Hardwicke Street, Aughrim Street

Dublin South: Tallaght, Crumlin

Dublin South Central: Liberties, Inchicore, Pearse Street

Dublin East: Loughlinstown, Meadowbrook