Ross making big strides in footballing circles

Parkhall Integrated College student Ross McCausland with school principal George Beattie and former Rangers and Northern Ireland player Paul McKnight during his visit to the school last week. INBT 09-373CS

Ross enrolled at Chimney Corner Academy at the age of 5 and was coached by Dominic Dewert all through his mini-soccer years.

At the age of 9, Ross moved to Ballymena United Youth Academy where he played for their youth side in the Lisburn League. He currently plays in the National League for the ’02 and ’03 team.

Ross is a striker who has a keen eye for a goal and has already picked up NIBFA Cup and NIBFA League winners medals. He also attends the Liverpool FC Academy and is now in his third year.

Ross also currently plays for Club NI, the national team for the ’03 age group. Last year, he played in the Berlin Cup, facing German giants Hamburg and Shalke, as well as the Chelsea FC youth side.

Ross combines training five times per week with playing for Parkhall Integrated College second and third-year teams, where he regularly impresses both his coaches and his peers with outstanding performances.

Last month Ross travelled to Latvia with the Club NI team to play a tournament, the Riga City Cup, against eight other teams from all over Europe. The under-13 team won six out of the seven matches, only losing to the eventual winners and making it all the way to the final. During the competition, Ross scored a dazzling individual goal against FK Liepaja from Latvia, chipping the keeper from outside the box with the outside of a very talented right foot.