Ballymena United under-12s enjoy trip to Sunderland

This is where the stars of tomorrow train alongside todays first teamers in a breathtaking set up. State of the art facilities are combined with specialised coaching from a young age to bring the very best young players through the different levels, with the final target of a career in the game.

Even from the age of 12, the Sunderland boys train 3 times a week, moving on to 5 times next season, combining this with their schoolwork and lectures regarding diet, nutrition, rest and other weekly topics.

It was a great experience for the Sky Blue boys who faced their counterparts over 3 twenty minute games, losing 5-1 overall but certainly not disgracing themselves against physically stronger and technically very gifted players.

Trialist Eamon McLaughlin scored the United goal and he impressed on the day along with a number of others.

It was an enjoyable time away for the United party of boys and parents and whether it was the shopping or the football, the weekend was enjoyed by all.