Ladies ready to strengthen squad

Seasiders back in action this Sunday

Bangor Ladies, the ladies section at Bangor Football Club, will be reporting back to Pre-Season training this Sunday (15th) afternoon at Clandeboye Park, as the club look to continue to build on the success of last summer and hopefully to also bring a number of new faces in to strengthen what is a very young, but highly talented team.


Ladies manager Andy Craig believes that, having practically rebuilt the squad at the start of 2011, bringing in no fewer than fourteen new faces, the majority of who were playing the sport competitively for the first time, this coming summer the footballers will certainly be more equipped and prepared for the fast up and coming season.



The ongoing development of a number of these players who were rookies in April 2011 is significant, as the Seasiders profited as this crop of North Down youngsters grew in not only confidence but also benefited from training regularly at Clandeboye Road.

Jessica Beers, Bangor Ladies youngest ever Player of the Year with Bangor Chairman Trevor Best

Jessica Beers and Alanah Burns, both sixteen when signing for the Seasiders, proved invaluable additions to the team. Striker Beers excelled over the summer ending the season as the ladies youngest ever ‘Player of the Year’, while Burns was also a player who worked very hard at her game and both certainly have the potential to become a formidable international footballers.



Another local find was Glenlola teenager Sophie Ferris, who slowly progressed over the summer months notching up a couple of key strikes on the way and settled well towards the end of the divisional campaign. Two East Belfast additions in Lisa Gilmore and Christine Duncan were also great signings, Duncan on the left side of midfield, rattled in a number of goals in impressive performances while the consistent Gilmore, proved a pivotal signing, partnering the more experienced Leanne McGarry in the heart of a resolute Bangor defence.

Bangor's Most Valuable Player 2011 and Northern Ireland representative Mollie Moore

In addition, was the transition from basically cameo appearances to first team regular of Whitehill student Dawn Clarke, who joined Northern Ireland Rose Bowl representative Mollie Moore in a hard tackling, uncompromising midfield, which ended the season with notable accolade. Moore, from Donaghadee, impressed regularly and completed her first season as Bangor Ladies ‘Most Valuable Player’, while Clarke concluded her rookie season as the clubs ‘Most Improved Player’. Other important, late additions were Stevie Clifford, Rebekah Adams, Claire Arthur and Kelly Gillies who despite lacking in any experience were able to shore up a Bangor side when required.



As well as this welcome fusion of youth, the club were again able to rely on the Seasiders record goalscorer last season. Leading striker for three consecutive years Natasha Lee, who notched up her 75th strike in the clubs last competitive fixture against Wellington last September. Natasha’s progression as a highly rated, top class striker was recognised by Ladies Manager Craig, who made her his personal choice as “Managers Player of the Year 2011”.

Updates and Reports Section on this website.

Along with this batch of rookies, was the solid backbone of the more experienced seasoned campaigners: North Down Sports Advisory Sportsperson of the Year nominee Tina Sharpe, Lynsey Turville, Jenny Boyd, McGarry, Trish Webb and Valerie McKibbin, who gave the club the much needed cover over the busy summer fixture program.



Although the Seasiders got off to a good start in 2011, the form of the club dipped in the middle of the year, holidays and injuries undoubtedly taking their toll, Bangor Ladies then flew through their final four games with successive cup and league wins.

East Belfast duo Lisa Gilmore and Christine Duncan enjoyed their first season.

Important wins too, as although the Seasiders’ had probably already enough points banked to secure their status in the division, the additional points that they took away from these final four games, guaranteed that the Sammy Mellon and Sons sponsored team will be once again be back challenging for promotion into Division One this April.



With the Membership of Bangor Ladies now officially open for 2012, the manager is expecting the majority of these players to pledge their services to the Seasiders over the summer, however they are still some places remaining, as the club look to strengthen the squad to a maximum of 28 players come the start of the season.



So, there is no time to waste, if you are interested in playing the beautiful game this summer at Clandeboye Park. Providing you are over 14 years of age, you can simply turn up for training any Sunday afternoon at Clandeboye at 1.30 p.m. - 3.45 p.m; with the appropriate equipment and by filling in a 2012 Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association (NIWFA) Registration Form (available on-line) you will become a member of Bangor Ladies FC and represent the club over the summer. All the latest Club news is available on the Updates and Reports Section on this website.



Training will continue every Sunday (weather permitting) all players both new and old, experienced or new to the sport, will be very welcome, whether wishing to train for fitness or just for fun. More details are available by contacting the manager BANGOR L.F.C. Andy Craig at 0773 2277854.

Last Edited on 12-Jan-2012 5:23 AM