Ballycastle boast youth throughout the ranks

Ballycastle Ladies Hockey Club started the season with a narrow defeat to Belfast opponents Cooke.

Saturday saw the girls narrowly defeated against College Hill Armagh.

However behind the scenes at the local club things and faces are much different than last season.

Having lost nine from the starting 11 due to university and other commitements the coaching team of Dee Dee McMullan and Neil McMaster have spent the pre season rebuilding.

The basis of this rebuilding has been youth!

Both games so far have seen the team start with no less than five 15 year olds.

Laura Todd, Amy Gibson, Hannah Johnston, Lois Kane and Sarah Glass have proven themselves worthy of a starting place.

Experience is something which the girls lack, having only previously featured in minor school hockey, however, ability wise they are more than capable of holding their own!

Laura Todd who has previously trained with the Ulster U16 TDS squad is developing into a senior league hockey player very quickly and her versatility on the pitch is a blessing!

Coach Dee Dee McMullan added: “Its been a very tough pre season but being able to work with a group of girls who are willing to learn makes it easier, and with the that girls are showing at this age, the future of Ballycastle Ladies Hockey Club is looking very promising!

“Along with the above mentioned girls Beth McMullan, Louise Brolly and Kitty Dickson have opened the season with two tremendous games.”

Anyone wishing to join the club can do so by contacting Dee Dee on 07962309697.

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