Louth School Girls League launches Positive Sidelines campaign

The Louth School Girls League has launched Positive Sidelines - a new campaign aiming to build a better matchday experience for everyone involved in LSGL matches.

The country's fastest-growing girls' football league kicked off its 2025 Cup and Shield competitions over the weekend (23/24 August) and used the new competition to launch its latest initiative.

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To support the Positive Sidelines rollout, the LSGL has printed 3' x 2' metal signs for every club across the league to display at their home pitch, to remind adults attending games of what is expected of them.

A new LSGL sidelines protocol will see coaches from both teams on one side of the pitch for all matches, with supporters on the opposite side, in a bid to create a safe and supportive space for players to express themselves without sideline interference.

The Positive Sidelines campaign's key messages are:

Let the coaches coach; Respect the opposition; Cheer and support the players - don't shout and criticise; Kids imitate what they see - be kind!; ZERO abuse towards match officials.

LSGL Chairperson Robbie Corr said: "Supporting our players is a vital part of grassroots football, but we want to ensure that support is channelled in the right way for the rest of this season, and beyond. When parents stay positive, kids take more chances. That's how they grow.

"We're just asking any adults attending games to remember that this is youth football. These are children playing, so let's lead by example."

The Positive Sidelines campaign is supported by the Dundalk Schoolboys League and the Louth branch of the Irish Soccer Referees Society.

DSBL vice chairperson Mickey Dillon said: "The Dundalk Schoolboys League would like to congratulate Robbie and the Louth School Girls League on their Positive Sidelines campaign.

"The league is 100 percent behind this campaign. It will make match days better for players, parents and referees. Respect on and off the pitch to all involved."

Dundalk referee coordinator Niall Minto said: "Great to see Positive Sidelines. It makes for better football for everyone involved. Fair play to the Louth School Girls League for promoting this initiative. All referees are looking forward to refereeing with the new guidelines in place."

The LSGL would like to thank Skinny Batch Bakery, along with Dundalk Credit Union and Louth Local Sports Partnership, for their support for the Positive Sidelines campaign.

To find out more about the Positive Sidelines campaign, or view its promo video, visit www.lsgl.ie.

Local clubs can show their support for the campaign by posting photos on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #PositiveSidelines and tagging @louthschoolgirlsleague.

Dundalk Credit Union LSGL Cup and Shield - opening weekend results

Under-11 Group A Albion Rovers 2 - 6 Walshestown; Glenmuir United 0 - 6 Rock Celtic White

Under-11 Group B Rock Celtic 2 - 2 East Meath United; Quay Celtic 1 - 5 Castletown Belles

Under-12 Group A Bellurgan United 4 - 1 Quay Celtic; Rock Celtic 5 - 0 Castletown Belles; Albion Rovers 3 - 0 Blayney Academy Yellow

Under-12 Group B Glenmuir United 5 - 1 Walshestown; Glen Magic 6 - 0 Balrath

Under-13 Group A Albion Rovers 6 - 3 East Meath United;Glen Magic vs Ardee Celtic (Tue 26/8); Quay Celtic vs Castletown Belles (Tue 26/8)

Under-13 Group B Quay Olympic 2 - 1 Rock Celtic; Bellurgan United vs Termonfeckin Celtic (Wed 27/8)

Under-14 Group A Blayney Academy 6 - 4 Bellurgan United; Balrath 6 - 4 Glenmuir United; Rock Celtic 3 - 0 Laytown United White

Under-14 Group B Albion Rovers 4 - 1 East Meath United; Castletown Belles 5 - 0 Walshestown; Termonfeckin Celtic 6 - 0 Laytown United Red

Under-15 Dromin United 2 -2 Termonfeckin Celtic; Albion Rovers 5 - 0 Rock Celtic; Quay Celtic 3 - 0 Balrath (Walkover for Quay)

Under-16 Castletown Belles 1 - 3 Balrath; Bellurgan United vs Albion Rovers (Tue 26/8)