Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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Ballymena United’s rising star Luke Hawe has agreed to join Southampton FC, signing a long-term agreement with the club’s academy.

Manager Jim Ervin shared his thoughts on the move:

“As a club, we are absolutely delighted and thrilled for Luke to get this opportunity. Southampton is the academy he has felt most comfortable with, and he has been really happy with how they have treated him. He’s looking forward to making the move this summer.

Luke has had numerous opportunities over the years to leave Ballymena for another academy, but he’s a loyal kid. He stuck by us, believing in the opportunity Ballymena could provide him.

While the club has supported him along the way, ultimately, it was up to Luke to take those opportunities, and he’s done that brilliantly. His attitude is top-class, and he comes from a strong background, which is important for any young player.

We have no doubt that Luke will be a success. We wish him all the best and hope it all goes to plan. We know he won’t be a stranger, and we look forward to following his journey as a professional footballer. Southampton are getting a fantastic player, and we wish both Luke and the club the very best for the future.”

Head of Development, Jonny Hume, also praised Luke’s progression:

“We are all absolutely delighted that Luke has secured a move to Southampton FC.

Luke joined Ballymena United Youth Academy several years ago from Magherafelt Sky Blues and has always shown incredible ability. His hard work and dedication to training have allowed him to develop rapidly, progressing through the age groups at Ballymena United.

This season, he made his first-team debut, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history—a testament to his talent and commitment.”

Director of Football, Andy McDowell, added:

“I’d personally like to thank everyone at Ballymena United who has played a role in Luke’s development. A special thank you also goes to his dedicated family, who have traveled the length and breadth of the country to support him in training and matches for both Ballymena United and Northern Ireland.

Luke makes this move with our strongest support and best wishes. We are all excited to follow his progress on the South Coast and wish him the very best of luck as he takes the next step in his football journey.”

💙🤍 An incredible achievement, Luke! Your hard work and dedication have paid off. Best of luck—we have no doubt you’ll give it your all! 💙🤍

Last week saw Sports Bond agent Robbie Purdey have his First win as an agent with a £10 win for himself..This week he had his First Major winner with Mervyn Sterling (A9572).Mervyn is a family member and a work colleague at Mid Antrim Blinds.It has took a while for Robbie to enjoy his first win but now he is on a roll.

Alex Beverland had a Major winner this week with Patrick Close (A9556).For Patrick this was his first Major win though he had a £10 minor winner some time ago.Out in Gracehill one of our members who pays by Standing order was a £50 Major winner. That member was William Kitson (A0024) so Congratulations to William. 

In the £10 minor section Thomas McKeown (A5213) who lives at the Grange was a £10 winner on the agency of Maurice Anderson. Back in Ballymena there was double minor winners on the agency of Patricia Thompson. Sky Blue fan Wallace Barkley (A3146) was a £10 winner and our only lady member winner was Mary Faith ( A1287) who lives very close to the Showgrounds. 

No Jackpot was allocated with the numbers 2 10 11 21 and so the Jackpot for this week is £450.Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

Agents News

We send our very best wishes for a speedy recovery to Sports Bond member David Millar who had to undergo surgery after a nasty fall on ice .The Broughshane man is now home recuperating. 

Congratulations to Andy Davison who celebrated another birthday at the weekend  

First Score  

On Tuesday evening at the fixture with Larne the winning First Score time was 8 (7 mins 15sec) with the goal scored by Jordan McMullan. The winning card wasbhels by Raymond Harris. However this was Raymond's second win of the season, so that meant he won a double up of £100.Raymond joins Gary Mark on two wins and the chance of a third win that would ensure a complimentary season ticket paid for by First Score for next season. Broughshane man David Craig  had his Third win at Dungannon recently. 

On Saturday against Cliftonville the winning time was 79 mins(78min  49 sec) On this occasion the winning card was held by Noel Russell who picked up £50 

The winning time of the Carabao Cup First Score was 45 mins .At the time going to press we had no claims.To claim contact Brian Thompson on 07831 803970 

Ballymena United Cash Call

COME ON SKY BLUES  says Trevor! 

Saturday saw the culmination of this year's Ballymena United Cash Call. After the match with Cliftonville at 5.30 supporters were turning into the Ballymena United U tube channel to see the draw live thanks to Ark Media. After a short interview with Manager Jim Ervin  MC for the event Davy King then welcomed all to the draw and explained the rules.He then invited Jim to do the draw and the first ticket was drawn and handed to Chairman Chris Selwood. Chris dialled the number which connected and began to ring.On the fourth ring there was an answer and a voice gave the magic words COME ON SKY BLUES. That voice belonged to Trevor Robinson who has followed Ballymena United for 65 years. Trevor is also well known as the popular lollipop person at Camphill primary school. Trevor's prompt answer within 5 rings has earned him £1000 and he becomes our second CASH CALL winner after Karl Herbison who won last year.Promoter Brian Thompson was delighted with this year's cash call and Trevor's success.

Cash call This year exceeded our expectations and I must thank all who purchased tickets.commented Brian 

Once again our Sports Bond agents Margaret Downey, Sammy Bones, Alastair Shaw were  exceptional our new agents Rosemary Lynn, Robbie Purdey, Aaron Todd and Luke Gaston were also exceptional. This year we also had some of our Sponsors puchase tickets which was great Supporters have bought into CASH CALL  and many were tuned into the live draw.Trevor has been a popular winner and we look forward to presenting him with a cheque for £1000.

We would like to leave you with what Cash Call is all about COME ON SKY BLUES 

Player Sponsor

There are a few players who are available for Sponsorship. Please contact Gary McConnell on 07730 06 48 46 for details and benefits.

Ballymena United Calendar 2025

With the postponement of the  Match with Glentoran there are few Calendars still left If you want one contact Brian Thompson on 07831 803970