Villa FC confirmed as one of 15 clubs to enter new FAI National League
Villa will take part in the new FAI National League for Tier 3. Photo: Noel Browne
Waterford Premier League champions Villa FC have been confirmed as one of the 15 clubs that will form part of the new FAI National League Tier 3, which is due to kick off in the Autumn of 2026.
This new division of men’s senior football will be the top tier of grassroots football and creates a direct pathway between the grassroots game and the League of Ireland for the first time.
• FAI National League to begin with a truncated season in Autumn 2026 • Four provinces and 10 different counties are represented by the 15 clubs
• Promotion / Relegation to be introduced from the 2027 season
• A final application window is now open for the remaining places The confirmation of the 15 clubs follows an extensive process which saw an initial 67 clubs/entities from around the country express an initial interest in joining the new league. Following a thorough assessment of the criteria, designed to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness, 15 clubs have been formally admitted and will become the league's founding members.
The composition of the league represents every province in Ireland, reinforcing the FAI's commitment to fostering talent and ambition across the entire football community.
• Bonagee United (Donegal) • CK United (Carlow/Kilkenny) • Cockhill Celtic (Donegal) • Home Farm (Dublin) • Killarney Celtic (Kerry) • Letterkenny Rovers (Donegal) • Lucan United (Dublin) • Mayo Football Club (Mayo) • Mervue United (Galway) • Newbridge Town (Kildare) • Salthill Devon (Galway) • St. Francis (Dublin) • TU Dublin (Dublin) • UCC Soccer (Cork) • Villa FC (Waterford)
The league will commence with a truncated introductory season in the Autumn of 2026. From the 2027 season, a clear pathway for promotion to the League of Ireland Men’s First Division will be established. The winners of the North and South divisions will compete in a Play-Off Final to be crowned FAI National League champions. If the Champions have been approved for a First Division licence, they will play against the team that finishes bottom of the First Division in a Promotion / Relegation Play-Off for a place in the second tier.
Clubs still interested in joining the league have a final opportunity to register their interest. This extension period has been granted to allow clubs / entities more time to complete the application process and meet the criteria required. The deadline to apply is Saturday, January 31st, 2026. Apply here – FAI National League – Expression of Interest Form
Commenting on the news today, Villa FC Director of Football Conor Coad said: “This milestone reflects the collective efforts of our players, coaches, members, and supporters over many years in driving the club forward to where it is today.
"Entry into the FAI National League represents a significant yet natural step in our vision to provide a sustainable, high-performance environment and a clear development pathway for players across Waterford and the wider south east region.
"We look forward to the challenge of competing at national level and continuing to represent our club community with pride.”
Paul Morrissey, Chairperson of Villa FC, added:“This is a landmark moment in the history of the club and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, both past and present.
"Becoming a founding member of the FAI National League reflects the progress we have made and reinforces our ambition moving forward.
"We are proud to represent Waterford at national level and look forward to the opportunities this league will create for our players, coaches, and wider community.”
FAI Head of Competitions Fran Gavin said: "We're delighted to be able to announce the clubs who will be the founding members of the new FAI National League, and we congratulate them on coming through a rigorous selection process. The clubs have put in a lot of hard work and we're really excited to get started in Autumn 2026 with a shortened, truncated season before the full launch in February 2027.
"As part of the process, we have reopened a short window for final Expressions of Interest for the remaining places. Our priority from day one was not just to hit a number, but to ensure that every club involved was ready to be part of this league. We recognised that a number of clubs were not able to meet the original deadlines, so that is why the portal has reopened to encourage any final applications. Our priority is to have a strong, competitive league, and while we are happy to start with our founding member clubs to ensure the right quality, if there are clubs who now feel that they meet the criteria, we would like to hear from them.”
