Season to remember for Waveney Youth FC

Special guests for the evening were Norman Kelly (Ballymena United Assistant Manager) and Gary Boyd (Ballymena Community Sports Development Officer).

Manager John Clarke reflected on a successful season and thanked the sponsors JPM Plumbing and heating and Gareth Gordon of Community Recycling Initiative for their support over the season and to the parents for supporting all the fund raising activities throughout the season and for coming along and cheering the boys on at matches.

He had a special word of thanks for the boys themselves, for their desire and commitment throughout the season and how their hard work was rewarded with winning two trophies.

Norman Kelly congratulated the boys on a successful season and said that the most important thing is that they enjoy their football and with continued hard work the future could be bright for some of them.

Gary Boyd praised the style of football that the boys play and he too encouraged them to continue working hard on the training pitch.

Prizewinners were: Clubman of the Year - Peter McMullan; Most improved Player of the Year – runner-up - Travis McWilliams; winner - Carl Wilson; Top Goalscorer – runner-up - Camryn Millar; winner - Denico Dunlop; Coaches’ Player of the Year – runner-up - Robbie Perkins; joint winners - Colin Marshall and Denico Dunlop

Players’ Player of the Year – runner-up - Joel Godfrey; winner - Denico Dunlop.

Speaking to Times Sport after the prize night, manager John Clarke admitted that the team’s exploits this season had surpassed expectations.

“I knew there was plenty of ability within the squad, but the Belfast and East Antrim Youth League that we play in is tough, with youth sides from the likes of Carrick Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades, as well as youth teams of successful junior clubs like Comber Rec.

“For a youth club team with no ‘parent’ club to do as well as we did is quite an achievement.

“It’s lovely to pick up a couple of trophies but the most important thing is developing the lads not only as footballers but as people as well.

“They are going away to different parts of the country and representing not only the club but the town of Ballymena as well and they are picking up important life skills in doing that,” added John.

l Waveney Youth held a successful table quiz in Ballymena Rugby Club.

The club would like to thank quiz master for the night Adrian McCann, everyone who sponsored a raffle prize and to everyone who came along.

Winners on the night were the team called Ready to Go.