Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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Ballymena United FC would like to acknowledge the successful outcome of Loughgall FC’s recent appeals against The Northern Ireland Football League on 2 decisions relating to Sunday Football. 

We supported our colleagues at Loughgall during the process and had been invited to attend the appeal as guests of Loughgall but this was denied. 

As a club we missed the appeals cut off point but signed a participation agreement with a caveat that we did not waive our right to non participation in Sunday Football. We fully supported Loughgalls stance that clubs should be free to enter the NIFL league cup without waiving their rights to non participation in Sunday Football and that they should also not be penalised financially for non participation in Sunday Football. 

We will continue to oppose Sunday football on the basis of the religious beliefs of the players, staff and supporters of Ballymena United FC and also the mental and physical health of our players, staff and volunteers involved in the day to day workings of our club. 

Sunday football will deny a club operating on a part time basis the opportunity to have a rest day of which we should all be entitled. 

It’s been well documented and spoken about in local football circles that volunteers are the lifeblood of the majority of clubs. Asking them to now be available for Sunday football matches puts a lot of volunteers and therefore the clubs under undue pressure. As we’ve mentioned, we place the health and wellbeing of our club stakeholders at the top of our priority list and for that and the others reasons outlined we will continue to oppose Sunday football.

Corporate Lunch Dates 2024/25

The ever popular corporate lunches are back with 3 dates for the 24/25 season!

Get in touch to secure your table in what’s always a superb day out at the Showgrounds!

Loughgall 5th October 

Dungannon 14th December 

Portadown 22nd February

Min of 8 per table - £400

£50 per additional person up to 10

Contact Alan Francey - 07402 521070

This week saw almost total dominance of female members and female agents. Karen Rainey has Ben a Sports Bond agent for almost a year now and this was to prove to be her beat week so far as she had double success. Karen had a Major and Minor winner. Her £50 Major Winner was Catherine Kernohan (B5584).Catherine has been a long-time member of Sports Bond and a previous winner. She is well known as a great football fan following not only the fortunes of Ballymena United but she is a huge fan of West Bromich Albion .Karen's £10 Minor winner was Cynthia Gordon (A5538) who only joined Sports Bond  six weeks ago when Canvassed on the doorstep by Direct canvassing. A great start  for Cynthia and we hope it will be the first of many.

In Cullybackey there was more female success as Sports Bond agent Julie Moore had a £50 winner with Gail Spiers(A6285).Gail has been a previous winner and her success is continuing. 

Maurice Anderon had Double success with two £10 Minor winners. The first was May Johnson (C3215) who is one of only a few members remaining who have a C prefix. Maurice's other Minor winner was Jim Hanna (A0166) who was our only male winner this week. 

The Jackpot for this week is £300  when the numbers 7 8 12 28 were not allocated to any member.

Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

We were delighted to learn that Jon Brough has returned home after a short stay in Hospital. Belated birthday wishes to Sports Bond administrator and agent Patricia Thompson who celebrated another birthday last week. 

Last season Ballymena United won their first match of the season away to Carrick Rangers. Sports Bond Promoter Brian Thompson missed the match as he was in the Netherlands watching Telstar play. On Saturday Ballymena United had a brilliant away win against Larne and once again Brian Thompson was in the Netherlands to see Telstar play .Maybe Brian should go to the Netherlands more often!!! 

Two members of Maurice Anderson's agency are celebrating their birthday this week Gary Black on Wednesday and Ballymena United Club Chairman Chris Selwood on Saturday. Chris is hoping for a birthday present of 3 points against Glentoran!!

Congratulations to Sports Bond agent Sammy Bones who had the winning time in the First Score For Northern Ireland against Luxembourg in the Nations league. The Broughshane man had a 11 minute winning card and collected £50 .

First Score will be back at the Showgrounds for the match with Glentoran .

Tickets are now in Distribution for the Grand Sports Draw which will be held on October 5th.Once aga5we are indebted to John Pogue in Co Durham for kindly sponsoring two tickets for a Newcastle United home Premier league match this season. 

For Golfers there are Two Great prizes  A Golf fourball at Carndhu golf club and a Driving range experience at Galgorm golf club. There a host of other great prizes so get a ticket now as there are only a limited number of tickets. 

With the nights closing in Direct canvassing will be out  for a few more evenings .