Football club lends backing to '˜Rally for a Future' campaign

Ballymena United players donned T-shirts bearing the campaign’s logo and slogan before Saturday’s match against Linfield.

The campaign, which for urgent action to provide future employment in the Ballymena area, will conclude with a demonstration at Broadway Bandstand on Saturday, February 6.

In a statement, Ballymena United said: “Like all organisations and businesses in the town, Ballymena United are deeply affected by the recent downturn in the local economy.

“The football club was founded by local businessmen and supporters and has continued, throughout our history, to not only rely on the support of the local public and businesses to survive, but also to be an integral part of this community.

“It is saddening to know the difficulties that our businesses are facing, but more importantly the hardships faced by many supporters and families in the town, particularly in light of recent news of industry closures.

“These companies have not just provided significant income through sponsorship for Ballymena United, but have employed a large number of supporters who attend matches week in, week out. It is clear from talking to supporters that there are very few who haven’t been directly affected by such closures.

“As a community club we are not in the business of politics, but this is more an issue of huge local interest and we are in the business of standing up for those who have stood up for us through thick and thin for nearly 90 years.

“We would encourage all supporters and members of the local community to support local businesses and trade. Investment in the local economy is the only way forward and each and every one of us can play our part, big and small, in making our town one of prosperity and sustainability.”