Training started last weekend - Bloomfield Road, Bangor, 1.45 p.m.

Bangor Ladies tough
it out despite snow

Bangor Ladies, the official ladies section of Bangor Football Club, kicked off their 2010 divisional campaign despite the heavy blanket of snow which fell over North Down last Sunday (21st), as preparations for the championship winning side went ahead despite the severity of the wintry conditions.



Although far from a full turnout, no doubt a direct result of the conditions, it was however encouraging to see the players finally back together again after a long lay-off following their unprecedentedly successful year in the Northern Ireland Ladies Football Association (NIWFA). While it can still be regarded as a remarkable season with the Seasiders statistically, finishing as the most successful club in the whole of Northern Ireland last September, it is now time for the ladies to look at the challenges which lie ahead in 2010.



Despite the overnight snow manager Andy Craig took the decision to go ahead with the pre-season schedule, having looked at the conditions under foot as late as 12.30 p.m. Although apprehensive about the possible low turnout, in view of the packed programme ahead over the next few weeks, it was felt the club could not afford to miss even a single week with the league starting in two months.



While the miserable weather did disrupt the planned training programme, it failed to dampen the spirits of those brave enough to turn out who put in a good 90 minutes of hard work. With the clubs first game planned for Sunday week (7th), away at a useful Backieville L.F.C., it was important to get this opener out of the way and start to get back to the business of playing football again.



A series of games quickly follow the trip to South Belfast, with the Seasiders kicking off at Clandeboye Park on Tuesday 9th just two days later, facing Cliftonville ladies from the top flight premier division, before an equally tough one, away to Larne on Saint Patrick’s Day (17th) .

Good news, Striker Tina Sharpe returns for 2010 after long lay off

One of the positives last Sunday, was the welcome return of striker Tina Sharpe, who has had a particular bad run of injuries which has seen her sidelined for two of the clubs last three seasons. Although Tina has always kept focussed on returning to the sport, it has been a long and at times a very frustrating journey, which pays testament to the determination and courage of this talented, young footballer.



More good news too, was the impending return of Club Captain Cathy Duncan, who has also been sidelined, everyone at the club delighted to welcome the announcement of the arrival on Saturday morning of a baby son Lucas Duncan; so hopefully the club will have her back very soon.



While the weather did affect the turnout, Bangor Ladies did welcome one new face at the training on Sunday. Although already a familiar name, netting one of only 11 league goals scored against the Bangor side in the 2009 league championship winning season – albeit from the penalty spot. This possible addition to the squad has impressed the coaches at Clandeboye Park, with manager Andy Craig recognising the potential of such a gifted young player.



“Naturally, I am delighted to attract this sort of calibre of player to the Seasiders. Obviously having seen her play a couple of times, I believe she will benefit from having more experienced players around her, and hopefully flourish and develop as a key player in our forthcoming season.



“The fact she is so young can only be advantageous, as a footballer she has nothing to prove as regards her ability, she is a potent, explosive player and I intend to give her plenty of football over the next few weeks, so she settles quickly.



“I experienced the same situation last April, with teenagers Natasha Lee and Lauren McAteer coming from a rival club. These youngsters are obviously fantastic footballers and just needed to be given the freedom to play their own game, without fear of unfair criticism. Both have blossomed into confident, potential internationals, and I believe this year, if we can again continue to add to the squad we will be better prepared when the league kicks off.

Club Captain Cathy Duncan, will be back for start of season.

“Up front I will be looking forward to easing Sharpe back into the attack and ideally will be looking to start with four quality strikers come April, I expect we will face a greater physical battle in this tougher division, following our promotion last September.”



Off the park there is certainly a lot happening, with a very encouraging informal meeting with Ivan Mellon of official sponsors Sammy Mellon & Sons, held last week to discuss all the aspects of their ongoing support of the ladies section at Clandeboye Park.



Confirmation also of the North Down Sports Advisory Councils Awards, which feature striker Natasha Lee and Bangor Ladies in the “Team of the Year” category. The awards night will be held at the Marine Court Hotel, on Friday 30th April, with guest speaker, ex Manchester United, Newcastle United and Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie.



Training will continue this Sunday 28th, and shortly all members will be issued with rain jackets which feature the ladies section’s new club badge. For more information on one of the fastest growing sports in Northern Ireland, how to get involved locally, whether for fitness, fun or competitive football over the summer just Email: info@bangorladiesfc.co.uk

Last Edited on 26-Feb-2010 5:22 AM