New initiative will create footballing identity in Ballymena South

AN exciting new initiative aimed at establishing a footballing identity at adult and youth levels in the south of Ballymena was unveiled this week.

Two existing local clubs are to join forces under a new name which will create a presence for football in that area of the town.

The biggest change will see Saturday Morning League kingpins Carniny Rangers operate from next season under the name Carniny Rangers/Southside FC.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite their name, which derives from their origins, Carniny have for many years been associated with the Harryville area and have traditionally played their home matches at Wakehurst playing fields.

They will be joined under the Southside banner by Waveney Youth FC U13s, who from next season, will be known as Southside Youth FC.

The idea is the brainchild of Carniny manager Robert Young and Waveney Youth manager Colin Stewart, who were former team-mates at the Saturday Morning League club for more than a decade.

"We want to establish an identity among boys from the Ballymena South area of the town," Colin told Times Sport.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There isn't really a youth football club primarily from that area of the town - North End, as their name suggests, are from that part of the town, while Carniny Youth and Ballymena United Youth Academy draw players from all areas of the town, its villages and further afield.

"Even though we play under the name of Waveney Youth FC U13s at the Showgrounds, many of our current players are from the Harryville, Ballykeel and Ballee areas.

"What we plan to do is come under the wing of Carniny Rangers/Southside FC and to ensure there is a club in the south of the town that young lads growing up there can identify with and which will also provide a steady stream of players for the Saturday Morning League team in the years to come.

"Both teams will have their own committees etc but we will play in the same kit and under the same badge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Somewhere further down the road we would hope to be in a position to play our home games in that part of the town but the issues surrounding the facilities Wakehurst playing fields have already been widely publicised and mean it's not a realistic proposition at present.

"We will continue to play in the Belfast and East Antrim Youth League next season and we have already provided the league with our new details," added Colin.

The link-up will officially take place from the start of the new season.

Related topics: