Football: Big opening ties as sides plot their route to the top flight

The 2024/2025 season fixtures have been revealed for the Playr-Fit Championship.

Last year proved to be one of the most dramatic and action-packed Championship seasons ever witnessed. Three new clubs are in the division, with Newry City down from the top flight, while both Limavady United and Armagh City move up from the Premier Intermediate League.

Twelve Championship clubs will compete in the 38-match campaign, which sees 33 regular season games completed before the league splits for the final five rounds, with the league champions earning a place in the top-flight and the runners-up merit a crack at the promotion play-offs.

The pick of the games from the opening round is sees promotion hopefuls Bangor and Harland & Wolff Welders meet at Clandeboye Park. Newry City return to the Championship two seasons after winning the title, and they face a tough opening game at Wilgar Park against Dundela.

Two teams also returning to senior football in the Championship are Premier Intermediate League winners Limavady United, who start their campaign at home to Ards – and Promotion Play-off winners Armagh City, who will play Institute at Holm Park.

Also kicking off their season on the opening day will be Ballinamallard United against Ballyclare Comrades at Ferney Park, while Annagh United make the trip to Inver Park to take on Newington.

Opening Playr-Fit Championship Fixtures

Saturday August 10th (3pm)

Armagh City v Institute

Ballinamallard United v Ballyclare Comrades

Bangor v HW Welders

Dundela v Newry City

Limavady United v Ards

Newington v Annagh United

THe full list of fixtures can be found on https://www.nifootballleague.com/media/15738/championship-fixtures-2024-2025.pdf

Key Dates

Season Opening Weekend: Saturday August 10th

Boxing Day: Thursday December 26th

Regular season end: Saturday March 22nd

Final day of the season: Saturday April 26th