Shay to be the star turn at Town Juniors Open Day

BURNLEY star Shay McCartan will be the special guest at his former club Banbridge Town Juniors’ Open Day at Cheeney Park next Saturday, May 26.

The local soccer ace - who played for the Juniors for six years will present end of season awards to the current crop of young footballers who hope to emulate him one day. 

The young striker joined the Clarets on a two-year scholarship deal back in 2010, has since been elevated to the first team squad when he got a place on the bench for a Carling Cup tie back in September 2011. He has also been called up to the Northern Ireland U21 squad, having already represented his country at U19 level.

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The Juniors are honoured to have their former player back and are delighted he will be giving the young stars of the future some expert advice and help in how best to enjoy and succeed in the game.

The Juniors have enjoyed a successful season, in particular the Mid-Ulster U13’s outfit who won the Mid-Ulster Shield in dramatic fashion - beating local side Banbridge Rangers in a penalty shoot-out.

The club has continued to develop players to a high standard and also helps managers improve and develop their coaching skills.

A club spokesman said: “The development and enjoyment of the players is our number priority at the club. We also develop, inform and train all coaches, with expert guidance from well known personalities within the game. 

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He added: “This season we had a training session and a question and answer session with the Linfield coach Alfie Wylie for all our managers and coaches which was a huge success.”

Any new players hoping to sign with the Juniors for the coming season are welcome to attend the open day, starting at 11.00am and runs through until 3.00pm. A BBQ will be available and light refreshments provided for all attending.

The club is currently seeking to recruit new players. There will be no trials this year from U11s upwards. 

Any players interested in joining the club will be invited to play in friendly matches.

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Included below are the names and contact numbers for all the club’s current managers. 

U11 players born on or after January 1, 2002, contact manager Stephen Thompson on 07795328606 

U12 players born on or after January 1, 2001, contact manager Ken Hughes on 07773207940

U13 players born on or after January 1, 2000, contact Club Secretary Jon Houston on 07917785249

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U14 Lisburn League, contact manager Arthur Downey on 07923439969

U14 players born on or after January 1, 1999, Mid-Ulster League contact Wylie Dickson on 07756508502

U15 players born on or after January 1, 1998 contact Freddie Scappaticci on 07592533048

U16 players born or after January 1, 1997, contact Paul Bennington on 07801676201

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U17 players born or after January 1, 1996, contact Bob Mulligan on 07874 740121

For any other questions or information please send an email to [email protected] and all details will be passed on to the manager in charge of that age group.

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