Joint Statement on behalf of Cobh Ramblers FC and Springfield Ramblers

Following some recent inaccurate statements over the past number of weeks Cobh Ramblers and Springfield Ramblers would like to clarify their positions in relation to the Cobh Ramblers U13 team currently competing in the SSE Airtricity U13 League of Ireland.

Cobh Ramblers and Springfield Ramblers began discussions in relation to establishing a player pathway that would allow all Springfield Ramblers players the opportunity to progress from schoolboy soccer to national league soccer in early 2018.

As part of this process both clubs signed an affiliation agreement to set up a subcommittee to develop the player pathway. During this process discussions took place between both clubs in relation to upcoming national U13 league. It was proposed that Springfield Ramblers would move their U13 team to compete in the U13 National League.

Following over three months of discussions and planning the proposal was put to both clubs’ boards who agreed to proceed with the with the new venture. The next step in the process was to meet with the parents of the current Springfield Ramblers U13 side. Following the meeting with the parents the general feeling was that they felt this group was too young to make the transition and that they would prefer for their children to remain in the Cork Schoolboys League with Springfield Ramblers. Cobh Ramblers accepted Springfield Ramblers position.

In early December 2018 Cobh Ramblers were contacted by Carrigaline United who suggested the two clubs begin discussions regarding a partnership similar to the clubs’ partnership with Springfield Ramblers. During these discussions it was agreed that Carrigaline would transition their U13 team across to become Cobh Ramblers U13 National League side. This was formalised in January 2019. At all times during this process Springfield Ramblers were kept informed and they accepted the position of both clubs.

As part of our continued affiliation every Springfield Ramblers player was afforded the opportunity to train and trial for Cobh Ramblers U19/U17/U15 sides before open trials were held, the first time since the inception of the underage national leagues that this has happened. Both clubs have continued to share their facilities where all Cobh Ramblers sides have had access to John Murphy Memorial Park and Pat O’Brien Park while Springfield Ramblers have also played a number of games out of St Colman’s Park during the offseason.

Both sides are committed to ensuring the implementation of the player pathway which will be launched later this year and the strengthening of our relationship over the coming year to ensure a strong Cobh presence in League of Ireland Football.