The 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division showcases a blend of emerging young talents and seasoned professionals across its ten participating clubs. Understanding the average age of each squad offers insights into a club’s strategy, whether it’s focusing on youth development or relying on experienced players to achieve their objectives. Below is a breakdown of each team’s average squad age for the 2025 season:
Shamrock Rovers
- Average Age: 25.7 years
- Squad Size: 31 players
- Foreign Players: 4
- Total Market Value: €4.33 million
Shamrock Rovers have maintained a balanced squad, integrating youthful energy with experienced leadership, aiming for sustained success both domestically and in European competitions.
St. Patrick’s Athletic
- Average Age: 24.6 years
- Squad Size: 29 players
- Foreign Players: 7
- Total Market Value: €4.05 million
With a focus on nurturing young talent, St. Patrick’s Athletic combines homegrown players with select international signings to enhance their competitive edge.
Derry City
- Average Age: 27.2 years
- Squad Size: 25 players
- Foreign Players: 14
- Total Market Value: €3.90 million
Derry City boasts one of the more experienced squads, heavily featuring international players, reflecting their ambition to challenge at the top.
Bohemian Football Club
- Average Age: 24.9 years
- Squad Size: 27 players
- Foreign Players: 9
- Total Market Value: €3.55 million
Bohemians blend youthful prospects with seasoned campaigners, aiming for a dynamic and adaptable team composition.
Shelbourne FC
- Average Age: 23.4 years
- Squad Size: 33 players
- Foreign Players: 6
- Total Market Value: €2.85 million
Emphasising youth, Shelbourne FC’s strategy revolves around developing young talents, providing them with ample first-team opportunities.
Sligo Rovers
- Average Age: 22.6 years
- Squad Size: 30 players
- Foreign Players: 9
- Total Market Value: €2.38 million
Sligo Rovers field the youngest squad in the league, highlighting their commitment to building a team for the future through youth development.
Waterford FC
- Average Age: 24.0 years
- Squad Size: 24 players
- Foreign Players: 12
- Total Market Value: €2.38 million
Waterford FC maintains a youthful squad with a significant international presence, aiming to blend diverse experiences for competitive performances.
Galway United FC
- Average Age: 26.7 years
- Squad Size: 26 players
- Foreign Players: 8
- Total Market Value: €1.93 million
Galway United’s experienced squad reflects their intent to establish themselves firmly in the Premier Division following promotion.
Drogheda United FC
- Average Age: 23.6 years
- Squad Size: 29 players
- Foreign Players: 8
- Total Market Value: €1.75 million
Drogheda United focuses on developing young talents, aiming to build a cohesive unit capable of competing effectively in the league.
The average squad age across the league stands at 24.4 years, indicating a general trend towards youth development. This approach not only promises a vibrant and dynamic style of play but also positions the league as a nurturing ground for future talents. Clubs are strategically balancing the enthusiasm and potential of young players with the guidance and stability provided by experienced professionals, aiming for both immediate success and long-term growth.
With the average age across the league only being 24.4 years we can expect to see some youngsters breaking through into the senior team this year of their respective clubs .Examples of this include Victor Ozhianvuna who made his senior debut last weekend at the Aviva and also came on against Molde on Thursday, showing early signs of becoming a star.
Another example is Vincent Leonard of Dundalk who scored the winning goal on opening night last Friday. Vincent signed his first professional contract in December of last year and looks to play an important role for a Lilywhites side desperate to get back to where they belong in the Premier Division.