For many years the Airtricity League was seen by others within Irish football as a closed shop, but recent developments have opened-up the league and placed it firmly on top of the football pyramid.

Central to this change has been the creation of the Newstalk A Championship. The Newstalk A Championship acts as the first stop for clubs hoping to move into the Airtricity League, giving them the opportunity to get used to the standards – both on and off the pitch – expected if they are to progress into the First Division and, ultimately, Premier Division.

Clubs making the step into the Newstalk A Championship will come up against the reserve teams of clubs in the Premier Division and First Division. Essentially, the Newstalk A Championship serves two purposes: firstly, to act as a pathway for players and clubs into the Airtricity League, and secondly to provide a competitive environment for squad players from existing Airtricity League clubs.

It is mandatory for clubs in the Premier Division to enter teams into the Newstalk A Championship, while clubs in the First Division are invited to do so. Clubs from outside the Airtricity League who wish to enter into the Newstalk A Championship must meet certain club licensing criteria before in order to gain entry to the division.

The inaugural A Championship was won by UCD, who defeated Bohemians in the 2008 final. Shamrock Rovers defeated Salthill Devon in the 2009 final. UCD beat Bohemians in the final in 2010.