Waterford side Villa FC are set to take part in the inaugural FAI National League following confirmation of the competition format for the 2026 season.

The new nationwide competition will officially get underway in late August and will feature 15 founding clubs from across the country. The 2026 campaign will operate as a truncated season ahead of a fully expanded competition launching in Spring 2027.

Villa FC have been drawn in Group 3 alongside CK United, Killarney Celtic, Newbridge Town, and UCC Soccer in what promises to be a competitive opening campaign for the Waterford club.

Under the format announced by the FAI, the 15 clubs will be split into three groups of five, with teams playing each other home and away. The three group winners will progress to the National League semi-finals, while the best-placed runner-up across the groups will claim the fourth semi-final spot.

The winners of the semi-finals will then compete in the inaugural FAI National League Final, scheduled to take place in November.

The announcement marks a significant moment for Villa FC and football in Waterford, with the club earning a place among the founding members of the new national structure.

The competition is expected to provide clubs with increased exposure, stronger player development pathways, and a higher level of competition across Irish football.

Fixture details for the opening season are expected to be confirmed by the FAI in the coming weeks, with anticipation already building ahead of the league’s launch later this year.

Sport on WLR is brought to you by Auto Boland Ford.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.