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Kicking Off a New Era at Ballyclare Comrades with £132,000 Council Funding

Work has kicked-off on the new 3G pitch at Dixon Park. This monumental development, made possible through the steadfast support of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, marks a significant milestone in the club’s history.

The project, made possible by £132,000 match funding from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, is a testament to the Council’s commitment to enhancing sports facilities across the Borough.

The Club is one of 17 sporting facilities in Northern Ireland to secure funding from the Irish FA and the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund, which aims to improve and refurbish facilities to create a better grassroots football infrastructure foundation.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating,

“Our commitment to investing in grassroots sports facilities is unmatched. We believe in the power of sports to bring communities together, and this substantial investment in Ballyclare Comrades Football Club’s new 3G pitch reflects our dedication to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for our residents.”

Business Development Director at Ballyclare Comrades FC, Robert Fleck, was equally enthusiastic about the project, stating,

“This is an exciting time for the club. Over the last six years, we’ve grown from a traditional men’s football team into a community based club with over 550 members made up of boys and girls, men and women, ranging in age from 5 to 35. In addition, the club also has over 50 coaches and support staff.

We’re thankful that the Council has come on board to support this badly needed development, which will have a positive impact on Ballyclare and the surrounding areas. Last year we installed new floodlights and with other work we have brought the ground capacity up to 3,349. We are hopeful that the new 3G pitch scheduled to be completed by spring 2024 will help attract high profile games into the Borough.”

As well as £396,000 from the IFA and UK Government funds, and £132,000 from the Council, the club has taken out a loan of £145,000 to make this project happen. In addition, the club has future plans to build a new two-storey clubhouse which will also act as a community, health and well-being hub.

Pictured: Robert Fleck, Business Development Director at Ballyclare Comrades FC, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper,  Councillor Michael Stewart, Ballyclare Primary School pupil, Olivia Mawhinney, Councillor Helen Magill, and Councillor Vera McWilliam,

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Brian Healy Joins!

We are pleased to announce the signing of 19 year old Brian Healy on loan from Newry City until the end of the season. A forward player, Healy has made 16 appearances in the Sports Direct Premiership this season for City.

Manager Stephen Small commented: “Brian comes to us with Premiership pedigree as well as having been part of Newry’s Championship winning squad two seasons ago. He is strong, athletic and technical and will be a great attacking option as we enter a tough second half of the season.”

Brian will wear the number 16 jersey.

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ANNOUNCE McWILLIAMS-SMALL

We are delighted to announce the signing of 19 year-old striker Conal McWilliams-Small from Greenisland FC. The front man became a regular in the first team at Glenkeen Avenue over the last 18 months, and in that time he has made a huge impression scoring 51 goals in 53 appearances since the beginning of the 22/23 season.

Manager Stephen Small had this to say about our new number 14: “Conal is yet another exciting young player who comes to us with bags of potential. We look forward to working with him and hope that he will thrive in a Ballyclare shirt and push on to the next level.”

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McGreevy Signs!

We’re delighted to announce our second arrival of the January transfer window, which sees the arrival of Lee McGreevy from Knockbreda. Lee is a young player who joins us with plenty of experience in the Playr-Fit Championship having spent the last five and a half years at Breda Park where he made 84 appearances scoring 13 goals.

Assistant Manager Chris Ramsey said: “We are delighted to get Lee on board. He is someone with great technique and vision as well as an eye for a spectacular goal. He has great versatility and can play a number of different positions across midfield or the forward line and we look forward to seeing him in action.”

Lee will wear the number 23 shirt.

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Welcome Caolan Donnelly

Ballyclare Comrades is delighted to announce the signing of Caolan Donnelly on loan from Larne until the end of the season. A defensive midfielder, Donnelly wore the captain’s armband for Larne U20s this season, while he has also made one appearance in the Sports Direct Premiership for Larne.

Donnelly will wear the number 17 shirt during his time at the Comrades.

Manager Stephen Small commented: “I have known Caolan for almost 8 years through coaching. I’m delighted to link up with such a driven young player again and help further his development in his time with Ballyclare Comrades.”

We are also delighted to confirm that both Declan Breen and Michael Morgan will be extending their loans from Cliftonville until the end of the season.

In other transfer news, Ethan Simpson’s loan with the Comrades has been terminated due to injury and he has returned to Larne. We wish Ethan well for his recovery and all the best for the future.

Howard Beverland has also left the Club to join Bangor.

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Comrades in the Community – Opportunities

Ballyclare Comrades via the club Commercial Director, Patrick Moore – are supporting our community by offering a number of opportunities for warehouse work with both Wincanton in Larne, and DHL in Mallusk.

Perhaps you a school leaver looking for your first job, or you’re currently out of work and looking for some ad-hoc temporary work or full-time hours? Maybe you currently work part time and would like to take on some extra hours, then Patrick would love to hear from you.

These roles are open to everyone in the community. If you would like to speak directly with Patrick for more information, don’t hesitate to contact him on 07581415223.

You can also click on the links below to apply for either job, or email Hannah Monaghan at [email protected]

Join Wincanton with Flexsource – Comrades in The Community

Join DHL with Flexsource – Comrades in The Community

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Rearranged Fixtures

We have a number of rescheduled matches coming up over the next few months. We thank the clubs involved for accommodating these changes, and to NIFL for their assistance in rescheduling these games.

Ballyclare v Annagh – Saturday 4 November (3pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Bangor – Saturday 2 December 2023 (3pm kick off)

Portadown v Ballyclare – Saturday 9 December (5.30pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Newington – Tuesday 12 December 2023 (7.45pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Ballinamallard – Saturday 27 January will be at a neutral venue, yet to be confirmed

Bangor v Ballyclare – Friday 23 Feb 2024 (7.45pm kick off)

Annagh v Ballyclare – Saturday 9 March 2024 (3pm kick off)

Ballyclare v Ards – Saturday 16 March will be rescheduled, with a new date TBC.

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New U18s Management Team

We are happy to announce the appointment of a new management team for our Under 18s competing in the National League. Michael Duff and Johnny Robinson make the step up to the 18s having managed our u16s last season.

Johnny Robinson
Johnny Robinson joins Michael as coach

We thank Aaron Fulton for all of his work and dedication with the U18s and wish him well as he joins the coaching staff at U21 level.