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! 💙🤍

It's probably the story of Sports Bond This year so far and it surrounds Sports Bond member Margaret Logan (A0646).Senior citizen Margaret Logan is a member on Maurice Anderson's agency since joining Five years ago Up to the beginning of this year Margaret had only ever won £10 on the weekly draw..However in the last seven weeks she has had an incredible three wins .it started with a £50 Major win then a couple of weeks later she had a £10 Minor win.. Last week Margaret had another £50 Major win. Three wins in under three months is an amazing achievement but we and her agent Maurice Anderson is delighted at her success.  Congratulations to Margaret and we look forward to further success in the future.  In Glengormely Sky Blue fan Mark Patterson (A4867) was a Major winner for the second time on the Agency of P Thompson .Mark had his  First win in the latter part of last year.The Sky Blue fan runs a Dog walking service so we believe there could be a few doggy treats coming soon .Also on this agency there was a £10 Minor win for Sky Blue Fan Brian Campbell( C3890) Brian has a C prefix of which there are only a few members left in the draw. In Harryville there was a Major win on the agency of Karen Rainey and that was Joan Rock(6297). Joan was for many years a member on the agency of the late Tommy Patterson.  Also in the area Clifford Moore (A3577) was a £10 Minor winner bur Clifford is a member at the Horse n Jockey on the agency of Francine Warwick. Clifford is the son of the late Bill Moore who recently passed and was a member on  Karen Rainey's agency. The remaining £10 Minor winner was Anne Bacon (A8882) a family member on the agency of Janice Crawford. The Jackpot for this week is £500  as it was not won last week with the numbers 2 5 13 28. Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

Agents News

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Former Ballymena United Chairman and Sports Bond member John Taggart who was sadly bereaved of his brother Brian. We offer our condolences to his family and the wider Taggart family. 

Sports Bond sends best wishes to members Eileen Christie and Sheldon Nicholl.Both their long time partners Ronnie and Andrea are currently in hospital with health issues and we are thinking of them all at this difficult time. A Big week for birthdays in the Sports Bond loving Wylie Household. On Wednesday 26th It is Davis Wylie's birthday and on Thursday 27 th it is head of the household Yvonne Wylie's birthday. To both we send our best birthday wishes. Have a great time.

Someone who was having a great time was Sports Bond member Luke Gaston. Luke who was a Sports Bond agent once, was with over twenty friends ,in Budapest Hungary on his customary STAG weekend. Luke gets married in July so we wish him well and hopes Budapest will recover from a mini invasion by Ballymena United supporters !!! 

First Score  

Due to another commitment Brian Thompson could not get to Loughgall on Saturday so there was no First Score. The Carabao Cup final First Score produced two winners. In Antrim Ballymena United supporter Ken Anderson has the winning card of 45 mins for the opening goal by Newcastle. Ken who is a regular First Score player picks up £50.There was also another winner with a 45 mins card who requested no publicity. Next First Score will be home to Loughgall.  

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