Villa FC to face Newbridge Town in National League opener

Villa FC will begin life in Tier 3 of the new FAI National League on Saturday, September 5, when they travel to Kildare to take on Newbridge Town, with their original opening fixture at home to Killarney Celtic moved to November 14.

Conor Coad’s men were due to take on the Kerry side at workLAB Connors Park on the opening Saturday of fixtures, August 29, but due to a number of players who will be involved in the Munster FA Regions Cup squad, this game is now changed.

The new FAI National League will be a new challenge for Villa, who are still hoping to claim their sixth Azzurri Premier League title before they turn their attentions to Tier 3, but there’s no doubting that excitement is now building for the new adventure.

Villa are in Group 3 of the new 15-team short season structure, where they’ll face Killarney Celtic, UCC, CK United and Newbridge Town home and away before the proper structure begins in 2027.

Commenting on the fixtures release, Villa FC manager and director of football, Conor Coad said: “The fixture release from the FAI makes everything feel that bit more real. Since being confirmed as one of the founding clubs of the FAI National League, there’s been a real sense of excitement building around the club and seeing the schedule now gives everyone something tangible to look forward to.

“To be involved in the inaugural season of a brand-new national competition is a huge honour for the club. It’s a reward for the work that’s gone on over many years, both on and off the pitch, and it’s an exciting opportunity for us to represent Waterford on the national stage.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming all opposition teams to workLAB Connors Park over the course of the truncated season, and we are also excited about getting on the road to experience new stadiums and the challenge of a fresh games programme.

“We know there’ll be plenty of challenges ahead, but that’s exactly what we’ve worked towards. Hopefully our club members and supporters will come out in big numbers and help create a proper match day atmosphere as we begin this new chapter in the club’s history.”