Business Details
County Antrim & District Football Association
Established in 1888, the County Antrim & District Football Association stands as Northern Ireland's largest regional football association, operating under the Irish FA's umbrella. With over 550 member teams spanning senior, intermediate, junior, and youth levels, we have nurtured football development across traditional and expanded geographical boundaries. Our historical milestones include founding the County Antrim Senior Challenge Shield in 1888, the Steel & Sons Cup in 1895, and the Women's Challenge Cup in 2013. Through dedicated committees managing competitions, referees, and finance, we ensure structured governance while representing grassroots and professional interests at national levels.Our centenary celebrations in 1988 demonstrated enduring commitment to football excellence, evidenced by hosting commemorative matches and special competitions. With formal disciplinary frameworks and transparent operational rules published annually, we maintain integrity across all levels of participation. Our affiliation with Sports Chaplaincy UK further demonstrates holistic support for participants' development beyond the pitch.
Services
Senior Challenge Shield
Steel & Sons Cup
Junior Shield
Women's Challenge Cup
Disciplinary Services
Referee Management
Competition Organisation
Highlights and features
- We have over 135 years of experience in football administration
- Our association manages four historic competitions since 1888
- We support over 550 teams across all football levels
- Our formal disciplinary frameworks ensure fair play
- We represent member interests at national football councils
Associations and certifications
- Irish Football Association
Services
Senior Challenge Shield
Established in 1888, this prestigious competition welcomes senior and selected intermediate teams. The tournament structure ensures competitive matches between top-tier clubs while maintaining historical significance. Our organization manages fixtures, refereeing, and disciplinary processes to maintain standards.
Steel & Sons Cup
Founded in 1895 for intermediate teams, including senior clubs' reserves. This competition provides developmental opportunities while maintaining competitive integrity. We ensure balanced fixtures and enforce strict eligibility criteria for participating teams.
Junior Shield
Operational since 1900, this competition caters specifically to junior teams. Our framework promotes grassroots development while maintaining competitive standards. We provide structured pathways for emerging talent through organized tournament formats.
Women's Challenge Cup
Launched in 2013 to support women's football growth. This competition provides dedicated platform for affiliated women's teams. Our organization ensures appropriate facilities, refereeing standards, and promotional support for female participants.
Disciplinary Services
We maintain field conduct standards through formal disciplinary processes. Our system handles misconduct cases, issues sanctions, and ensures fair resolution procedures. Regularly updated codes provide clear guidelines for all participants across member teams.
Questions
How can my team join the County Antrim FA competitions?
Teams must first affiliate with the Irish Football Association then apply through our official affiliation process before each season.
What competitions do you organize?
We manage four major tournaments: Senior Challenge Shield, Steel & Sons Cup, Junior Shield, and Women's Challenge Cup.
How are competition fixtures determined?
Fixtures are organized through formal draws conducted by respective competition committees following established regulations.
What disciplinary procedures exist for misconduct?
We enforce field conduct standards through documented disciplinary codes with formal hearing processes for all participants.
Do you support women's football development?
Yes, we've organized the Women's Challenge Cup since 2013 to promote female participation at all levels.
How are referees appointed for matches?
Our Referees Committee manages appointments according to published scales of charges and qualification requirements.
