Northend United Youth secure Blackburn Rovers link

The announcement follows a series of meetings between both sides and provides another huge boost for the Ballymena based club who are also the Academy side for NIFL Championship club, Wakehurst FC.

Both clubs endorsed an agreement which will see a close working relationship develop and is further commitment of Northend’s desire to providing the best development opportunities for their players at all age groups.

The first step will see Rovers’ Community Trust’s Coaches, under the direction of head coach Darren Finch, travel to Ballymena on February 15-16, during school half term holidays, to provide a multi-age Football Development Coaching Program, going into all aspects of football appreciation. This will not only be open to Northend United players but will also have places available for other local players who would like to avail of this opportunity.

Northend’s Football Development Officer, John Devlin said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young players in Ballymena and further afield to hone their skills with a Club who were one of the earliest winners of the Premiership.

“As our partnership develops we will see Northend teams travel to Blackburn to avail of their coaching and playing opportunities.”

Anyone interested in attending the programme should check www.northendunitedyouthfc.co.uk, or the club’s facebook page.