Comrades Colts 2006/07 squad Back Row (l-r): Martin McAvoy, Richard Chambers, Steven Calvert, Gareth Curlett, Stephen Hatfield, Taylor Kirk, Gary Dodds, Mark Patterson Front Row (l-r): Matt Boyd, Philip Logue, Jonathan Boyd, Richard McAuley, Gareth Elder, Michael Smith, Simon McGowan, Darren Nelson.

Manager: Stephen Boyd

Assistant Manager/Coach - Michael McWilliams

Assistant Manager/Coach - Glen McCrum

Sponsors: NWS Cellular Communications

Foyle Cup update

Ballyclare Comrades under 18’s returned from their Foyle Cup exploits after finishing a creditable 4th in what is a popular and prestigious tournament in Europe.   Manager Gordon Chambers was absolutely delighted with his team performance and said his players had been both a credit to themselves and Ballyclare Comrades.   After winning their 1st two games, beating Inishowen Youth League 2-1 and Donegal Celtic 1-0, they unfortunately lost out in the semi final to Letterkenny Rovers.   To finish in the top 4 of this quality tournament, Gordon said, was a fantastic achievement for both the players and the club.   Gordon paid tribute to his coaching staff of Michael McWilliams, Stephen Boyd and Jim Smyth and to all the players for their effort and enthusiasm throughout their training sessions and the tournament itself, without the coaches the squad would not have been as well prepared as they were and the success in this tournament is due to their commitment and coaching skills.   The club attended this tournament last year for the 1st time and for us to attain a 4th place is a fantastic achievement, which shows what high standard players we have attracted to Ballyclare Comrades, and the progressions that we have made at youth level, in the past 12 months.

 
Ballyclare Comrades Foyle Cup Squad:

Stephen Hatfield, Richard Chambers, Gareth Curlett, Gary Dodds, Steven Calvert, Michael Smith, Taylor Kirk, Philip Logue, Gareth Elder, Simon Magowan, Matt Boyd, Martin McAvoy, Richard MacAuley, Darren Nelson, Mark Patterson, Jonathan Boyd.

Manager – Gordon Chambers

Coaches – Michael McWilliams and Stephen Boyd

Foyle Cup

For the second year running Ballyclare Comrades are to take part in the prestigious Foyle Cup 2006 when they will send an Under 18 squad to this years tournament which will take place from 24th – 29th July. It is with immense pride that the club has been invited back to this tournament again after last year’s success and puts Ballyclare Comrades seriously on the map as one of the best youth development progression set ups. Last years squad had the privilege of opening the tournament against local team Derry City at the Brandywell and then went on to play the eventual winners Sheffield United in their second game. Preparation for this year will start in May when the squad will be brought together for training which will run all the way through to the tournament when the players will be hopefully at their peak after going through a systematic physical and technical training schedule and as the tournament gets closer the squad will play a number of organised games as part of their preparation. The coaching staff will ensure that the training schedule will be delivered in a professional manner and that when the time comes the players will be ready for action. At this point the draw for the group stages has not yet been made but with teams such as Boston United and Wrexham from England and Wales respectively and Derry City representing the League of Ireland this year’s event is sure to be a quality competition. The squad will be made up from mainly players who will be playing for the Comrades Colts next season in the Irish Youth League along with possibly a few guests. Obviously there is a financial side to taking a squad to the Foyle Cup and with this in mind it is envisaged that a fundraising event will take place in the Ballyclare Comrades Social Club, date to be announced, when it is hoped that this will be well supported. If there is any individual or businesses that would like to assist with a contribution then please make contact through the club.

2006/07 RESULTS

IFA YOUTH LEAGUE - SECTION A 2006/07

IFA YOUTH LEAGUE CUP