Wade lifts League and Cup double with Glentoran

A promising Coleraine footballer is celebrating after winning the Premiership and League Cup with Glentoran Belfast United.
Lauren Wade with Kelly Bailie and Demi Vance - goalscorers in the League Cup. INCR37-127(S)Lauren Wade with Kelly Bailie and Demi Vance - goalscorers in the League Cup. INCR37-127(S)
Lauren Wade with Kelly Bailie and Demi Vance - goalscorers in the League Cup. INCR37-127(S)

Lauren Wade (19) is no stranger to the local game.

The winger learned her trade at East End, Bertie Peacock Youths and Coleraine Ladies - and now she has set her sights on a second full international cap with the Northern Ireland ladies team.

The quick footed forward notched up seven goals in the campaign.

Speaking to Times Sport this week, Lauren said she is delighted to be back in the game again: “It’s great to be back playing again. I was out for two years with an injury so it’s great to get the boots back on.
“I have really enjoyed my first season with Glentoran.

“We were unbeaten in the League and beat Linfield in the League Cup.”

However, the modest teenager said that it has been a learning curve for her stepping up to senior football: “It has been a challenge, but it’s been worthwhile to get two medals at the end of the season.”

Lauren is now training with the Northern Ireland senior ladies squad under manager Alfie Wylie.

She picked up her first full senior cap when she was just 16, and she’s hopeful of gaining a place in the 18-woman squad.

“There is some great talent in the senior squad.

“I’ve been back training with the girls now for the past three months in preparation for the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.

“The first match will be in October against Scotland, so I’d really like to be selected for that.”

Lauren, who is a second year student at Jordanstown was part of the University’s team who won an All-Ireland competition back in March.