Youth Academy’s Mini Soccer Centre Spring-s into action

Spring arrives this weekend and so the Youth Academy mini soccer reopens it’s doors at the Showgrounds this Saturday morning with two sessions at 9.30 and 10.45.
Photographed in the Sport's Hut, Cullybackey on Saturday morning with the Ballymena United Youth Academy lads and officals was Ian Paisley (Jr) MLA. INBT 08-805HPhotographed in the Sport's Hut, Cullybackey on Saturday morning with the Ballymena United Youth Academy lads and officals was Ian Paisley (Jr) MLA. INBT 08-805H
Photographed in the Sport's Hut, Cullybackey on Saturday morning with the Ballymena United Youth Academy lads and officals was Ian Paisley (Jr) MLA. INBT 08-805H

Last weekend saw a mixed bag of results at the Academy.Performance of Saturday goes undoubtedly to the under 13’s.

Facing their biggest test to date,away to a highly fancied Larne Youth,Paul Leckey and Sammy McGaugheys side came home with the win after a superb display,scoring four in the process.

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There was a derby draw at the Showgrounds where the 15’s finished level with Coleraine while the under 14 development side continue to improve,recording another win over Shankill Juniors.

Their colleagues in the National league fell to Linfield in the 14’s League cup while the 12’s were defeated surprisingly in Lisburn by an inspired TTBS side.The 11’s were in action against an under 12 Moyola Park side in their mixed age group league,and were unlucky to lose out in another thrilling game.

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Moyola Park U-12 6, BUYA U-11 3: United went down to a bigger stronger Moyola side but can be pleased that they played some great passing football.

James McClean was Uniteds star turn scoring two,only denied a hat trick by a superb late save by the Moyola keeper while Matthew Byrne rifled home the Skies’ third goal.

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TTBS 2, BUYA 1: United’s goal against this impressive select coaching side,came from Max Davidson.

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Larne Youth 1, BUYA 4: United put on a brilliant second half display to impress the travelling support.

Larne took the lead with a superb free kick before Sean McKay levelled matters. Jack Heron then slipped a ball through for Gillan to fire United in front.

Danny Louw was everywhere in a eyecatching midfield masterclass and hammered in a brilliant third.

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The pressure told with a fourth goal, a well placed header from Rhys Hemphill to complete a season’s best performance from the under 13s

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BUYA Development 2, Shankill 1: Unbeaten in three now as the group show how far they have progressed in their debut season.

Goals came from Jake Johnston and the livewire Liam Wilson, one of a number of under 13s in this squad.

BUYA 0, Linfield 4: The Braidmen started well showing great composure on the ball and for the first 20 mins showed the league leaders how to play slick pass and move football.

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The Blues eventually took the lead but the Ballymena boys battled on. Linfield took their chances and went two up at the break. With the wind in their faces the Sky Blues battled on and with a few changes to freshen things up started to take control.

Despite some great defending from Andrew Kyle and Callum Ross the Belfast boys got a third and then sealed the win with a late fourth goal.

This was a real test for the Ballymena Youth Academy side who showed real determination and a fighting spirit. These group of players have come a long way since meeting Linfield earlier in the season.

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BUYA 1, Coleraine 1:

A tight derby game on the Showgrounds 3G, United’s goal came from the impressive Jack Walshe.