Irish League clubs will need to come alive at the weekends if they hope to get their hands on the 2009/10 Setanta Sports Cup.

Next season’s all-Ireland contest will kick-off during the last weekend in August and will run until May.

For the first time in the competition’s history there will be group matches played on a Saturday, with other games kicking off on a Friday, Monday or Tuesday.

Ever since the tournament has swung into action, managers have had to cope with increasing fixture congestion and Linfield boss David Jeffrey had called for organisers to integrate the action better into the domestic season.

Semi-finals will be played over two legs with the final taking place on Saturday, May 15.

Among the nine clubs fighting for the prize are Cliftonville, Coleraine, Glentoran and Linfield.

The JJB Sports Premiership sides will go up against League of Ireland representatives Bohemians, Cork City, Derry City, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers.

The teams will be divided into three groups of three with the group winners and one best runner-up qualifying for the semi-finals.

Participants will be able to take a break from the all-Ireland showdowns between November and February.

The draw for the competition will be made on June 25 in Dublin.

Milo Corcoran, Chairman of the Setanta Sports Cup Organising Committee, said the new improved tournament would be a major success.

“The introduction of weekend matches will be welcomed by fans as it will allow for more supporters to travel to matches and experience the Setanta Sports Cup,” he argued.

“The new format, which will see clubs split into three groups of three, should ensure that the groups remain competitive right to the end.

“I would like to thank Setanta Sports for their continued involvement in this competition.

“Following on from the success of the competition over the last four seasons, we are confident that the 2009/10 Setanta Sports Cup will be the biggest and best so far.”