‘Just mad about football’

Gemma Good

Ballinagh Ladies Football Club are fundraising to get their newly established club on the ball again after the pandemic.

Having been set up three years ago the club is going from strength to strength.

After lockdown, Ballinagh’s young people are raring to get going again, with over 60 girls starting this year.

“They absolutely love it, every child that’s after starting is just mad about football,” said organiser Christina Beard.

“After lockdown the children need it, they’ve had nothing and they haven’t seen anybody for months.

“They might not even lift the ball, even if they’re just playing tag, they’re blowing off steam and they’re getting out. It’s great for them.”

Christina said she has noticed clubs across the county are combining their efforts again following the lockdown.

“We see a lot of teams now are amalgamating again because obviously they’re losing kids. They’ve got used to sitting at home on the iPad or tablet and not going to activities and they’re not going back.”

The Ballinagh woman said it is “fantastic” to be gaining new members and considers the club lucky to be in the position of looking for money to accommodate new players.

The club is fundraising for general expenses such as league costs, insurance, referees, etc.

“It has to be paid and we have to come up with it,” Christina said.

The club was founded by “the three mammies” Christina herself, Sandra O’Reilly and Paula Delaney.

“We said we’d try and get a club going and three years ago we did.

“They’re loving it, it’s great for them.”

People can donate to Ballinagh Ladies Football Club through their Go Fund Me page: www.gofundme.com/f/ballinagh-ladies-football-club

Christina said any support towards - even help with coaching - is greatly appreciated.

“Any help we can get, never mind money, we will take it.”

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses each person who donates through Go Fund Me will be in with a chance of winning a spot prize.

Christina said it is vital that the club continues for the girls.

“They’re great little players and they’re so dedicated to it.

“They’d be on the field before the coaches are there,” she concluded.