Youth Academy overview
Ballinamallard's youth academy was founded in July 2015 in order to 'raise the bar' and further progress and professionalise the youth structures that have been present at the club for over 20 years.
Youth football has existed at Ballinamallard as early as 1989 when 'Ballinamallard boys' were formed by David Beare and Basil Marshall, and the mini soccer concept was then introduced in 1996 by John Quinn and Whitey Anderson. Mervyn Smyth became another key driving force post Millennium, and helped to turn our youth section into one of the most highly regarded in the Country.
Our new youth academy 'raises the bar' yet again and extends from our award winning Football Development Centre, starting at 4 years old and above, right through to the our under 18 team. It has the aim of providing the best possible environment for the personal and sporting development of all members, to allow them to achieve their full potential both on and off the field of play.
It promotes a positive learning environment within an age appropriate structured training programme, which has been developed by vastly experienced coaches who have a long association with Ballinamallard United FC.
Our academy director John Quinn has an extensive knowledge of the game having played and managed for over 40 years. John was manager of our famous '89s' group which seen 7 players capped at Youth International level. He has also managed our thirds and seconds, winning national titles with both teams. He has also assisted at Dergview FC in the Championship and with the Ballinamallard senior set up.
John will oversee all of our youth coaches and will seek opportunities for them to maximise their qualifications and improve their skills through participation in the highest level IFA and UEFA coaching diplomas, to further improve the footballing education that Ballinamallard can provide to its members. As appropriate, this will also include specialist coaches and trainers for goalkeeping, strength and conditioning, nutrition and physiotheraphy, which inturn will strengthen Ballinamallard's position as the most advanced youth development set up in County Fermanagh.
The youth academy currently competes at the highest possible levels within Northern Ireland and has 4 teams competing in the Subway National youth league, 5 teams competing in the local Brendan Keogh youth league and 2 teams in the NIFL Academy league.
Since 1995, the club has travelled across Europe to compete in tournaments and have been represented in Sweden, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Spain, France Germany, Wales and Scotland. In addition, the club has sent numerous teams to the Mallusk mini soccer festival, the Craigavon cup and the Foyle cup.
Futhermore, the club has had long term representation in both the County Fermanagh and County Tyrone Milk cup playing squads and coaching set up.
Football development centre
Our Irish Football Association approved Football Development Centre takes place on our 3G synthetic surface at Fisher Park every Saturday morning between the months of September-December and February-June, and provides top class age appropriate coaching by fully qualified and vetted coaches.
Our Football Development Centre is for children aged 4 to 11 years old and promotes participation for all, in a fun filled environment, whilst learning the core skills of the game. New members are always welcome!
Timings are as follows;
9.00am to 10.15am - Birth years 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015
10.30am to 11.45am - Birth years 2011 / Girls (All ages)
12.00pm to 1.30pm - Birth years 2010 /2009
For further information please email bufc.fdc@gmail.com, speak to Hazel, Erica or Flick on Saturday morning at Fisher Park or contact the Football Development Centre on 07402079258.
Player progression
Ballinamallard has a proud history of progressing players to receive International recognition at various levels, representation at the NI Milk Cup and transfers to clubs in England and Scotland.
Our dedicated coaches provide the highest quality training, pushing players to the next level and provide the platform for youngsters to display their glowing talents.
Two of our most famous youth players are Northern Ireland International's Roy Carroll (Notts County) and Andrew Little (Preston North End), whilst players such as Chris Curran (Man Utd), Craig Hill (Dundee Utd), Matthew Smyth (Stevenage), Dean Corrigan (Dundee) and Niall Owens (US Soccer Scholarship) have all earned cross channel moves.
Since 1995, we have had over two dozen players capped at International level at various age groups.
Child welfare
The welfare of children and young people is paramount to Ballinamallard United football club.
We endeavour to provide an environment which values and protects all children and young people, in all aspects and at every level of football throughout the club regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
It is the policy of Ballinamallard United FC to safeguard and protect children & young people involved in football from inappropriate behaviour and all types of abuse.
Click on any of the PDF icons to read our various policies and should you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our Child Welfare Officer.