Ipswich invite for Carniny coaches

Head of the ‘Tractor Boys’ youth academy is of course former Northern Ireland International Sammy Morgan who has a good knowledge of the Carniny club during his time with Norwich City when the Ballymena ‘reds’ sent several teams over to Norfolk following an invite from club president, Nigel Worthington who managed the Canaries at the time.

The visit, which will take place in March, is the work of club development officer, Bob Mullan who has already sent many of the club coaches over to Liverpool, Port Vale and Leicester City since his appointment with plans afoot for several of the clubs teams to follow in Spring/Summer.

Antrim lad, Josh Carson, who is now with Ipswich Town played at Carniny for a couple of seasons and was a guest at a club presentation night last year and will hopefully get a chance to meet up with his fellow countrymen during the visit.

CARNINY TACKLE BIG FREEZE

Carniny A&YFC coaches had to use their vast network of contacts in order to find suitable indoor training for their nine full sided teams during the past week.

The 17s were able to avail of the Fitness First facilities whilst five of the clubs sides were scattered throughout the borough at various locations.

A couple of new training venues were secured in the excellent indoor third generation private facilities in Magherafelt and Ballyclare which is something a town the size of Ballymena could and should have.

Hopefully it will not be too long before a thaw allows games to resume and talented new signings, Rory Kinney, Trevor Holmes, Michael Royston and Andrew Barr to make their debuts for Ballymena’s largest youth set up following their recent transfers.

If fixtures go ahead this week five of the club sides will be in Northern Ireland Cup action.