Season Begins For East Munster Youth Teams

The 2013-2014 season begins in the East Munster youths section this weekend which sees a change in the principal age groups from odd numbers which this season has been launched throughout the province.

Age grade players at Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and Under 19 level will revert to competing at Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 youth competitions. It has also been agreed that secondary competitions may also compete at odd numbered age groups where clubs can field sufficient teams.

The change back to even numbers means that teams are playing the same age groups as last season except a year older. This change will hopefully lead to more teams competing especially at the older age groups.

At Under 18 and Under 16 level there will be two sections of six teams each, with each side guaranteed five games in the group stage before the knockout stage that will decide East Munster’s representatives in the post-Christmas Pan Munster competition. Teams who finish the group stage ranked 1-4 will play quarter finals looking for a spot in the semi-finals and a spot in the Pan Munster League while the 5th and 6th placed side in each section will play ranking games.
At Under 14 level, teams are divided into North and South divisions comprising six teams each with playoffs for all sides following the completion of the group stage. This format will ensure every club will be guaranteed at least six competitive games prior to Christmas.

There will also be competitions at Under 15 and Under 13 level. At Under 15 level teams have been divided into North and South sections with each side guaranteed at least three games before Christmas. Fixtures for the Under 13 league will be organised later in the season.