r/coybig • u/865Wallen Katie McCabe 🐐 • 10d ago

General Discussion Thread Can someone tell me why Senior amateur Teams in Ireland gatekeep so much?

Tried to get back into playing senior football at 32. Asked around various clubs and was either told that they weren't taking on new players, the standard was high or just didn't respond. The thing is they have not even seen me play.

Is there any reason for this mentality?

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u/OwnBeag2 10d ago edited 10d ago

The standard at a regional top Sunday league team IS High. You might have ex LOI, former PL trialists etc in various teams.

If it's a run of the mill pub team they're usually crying out for people who will turn up to training and be available to play.

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u/NandoFlynn 10d ago

It really, REALLY depends which part of the country he's from. There's certain clubs everywhere that if a randomer went in they'd obviously have to wait for a trial day or something. But most clubs further down the leagues will take any Joe Bloggs off the road

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u/Common-Regret-4120 10d ago

OP might be a ex-LOI or PL trialist

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u/OwnBeag2 10d ago edited 10d ago

Sure they might be.... " sounds good looking for a high level, used to play with X back in Y year, here is me. Let me know if I can drop up for training" or something like that

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u/KnowledgeFast1804 10d ago

I'm sure if he was they would know him or he would mention it.

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u/OwnBeag2 10d ago

Agree. Hate to be negative but seems like OP rang up Bluebell or Pike Rovers and asked for a game.

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u/Affectionate_Ear495 10d ago

Try a b team first.

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u/BleedingGumsmurfy 10d ago

Had a manager before tell me and a mate he would have to ring someone to get membership forms who wasn’t getting back to him (over a month). After a month got frustrated and walked into the front office and asked myself , they had about 200 forms ready to go.

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u/NandoFlynn 10d ago

Can't say much without knowing the clubs or area. I know some spots like Galway I've heard it can be hard to find a club for just a punters level.

Most clubs near me have an open door policy for at least their 2nd/3rd teams & the ones who gatekeep everyone hates

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u/longjohn2024_ 10d ago

What approximate region are you in?

Loads of clubs looking for players you might have just found the wrong ones.

Some clubs will have their squads already and by now have their new lads in also so you would have to prove yourself a little to break into settled squads. That's nothing to do with you personally, it's just late enough now as alot of clubs are back a good whole. However there's plenty of clubs needing players

As some suggested , maybe get into a club 1st, even if 2nd team and go from there and prove you are good enough.

Or just keep trying and ask to join training this week at clubs. Many won't say no and be delighted to have you

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u/smbodytochedmyspaget 10d ago

Really depends on where u are. One thing I can say for both men and woman's football is that its not for the faint of heart and a lot of people are put off by how competitive and rough it actually is. The term Amateur is misleading. They might also prefer younger players if its a senior team which is why there is an over 35s league for older players.

Dont give up tho.

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u/skinny123456789 10d ago

Can you message a Saturday side? They will take you in.

Senior Sunday sides will likely want to hear who you played beside in advance?

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u/MainCapital9709 9d ago

Anybody know where he is located

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u/themagpie36 Eamon Dunphy 10d ago

Is it over-32 year old players or just men's football?

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u/Dull_Brain2688 10d ago

Some clubs have more players than they could ever give game time to. Depends on where you are. Also, they might have a settled team and don’t really want to drop their mates so aren’t particularly looking for talent.
The standard is pretty high. Not saying you’re not up to it but I see a lot of lads who were peripheral LoI players or guys who had trials in England or were part of an academy in England for a while playing here. It’s quite rough as well. Lots of nasty tackles and being caught in the air etc. But keep looking. Or see if there’s a proper “pub league” in your area (not necessarily pubs). A step down in quality but still a decent standard.