YM Ladies set to face a baptism of fire

LOCAL ladies football team YMCA Ladies FC begin their Premier League campaign on Wednesday, April 14, with an away trip to Ballymena Ladies FC followed by their first home match in the Premier League the following week against Glentoran Belfast United - the most succesful Women's football team in Northern Ireland.

YM really do face a baptism of fire in the top flight because their first four fixtures are against the top four finishers last season. They take on reigning champions Crusaders/Newtonabbey Strikers in week three and have a home game against Linfield on Wednesday, May 5.

YM had a magnificent season last year culminating in winning the NIWFA Championship which promoted them into the Premier League.

This really is a big step up in class for the very young YM side and consolidation in the top flight in the first season has to be the realistic aim.

YM will be looking to their established Irish International players such as Avilla Bergin, Kendra McMullan, Aine McKeever and keeper Kirsty Eddis to combine with the many up and coming young players such as Laura Nicholas, Chloe Archibald, Tasmin McCarter and Sarah Bergin to spearhead YM’s league challenge.

All Premier League fixtures take place on Wednesday nights throughout the season and YM will hope that the large crowds who attended the league games at Drumahoe last season will continue and hopefully increase this year. Entry to all games are free and many commented last season on the quality of football played.

YM will be hoping that their impressive home record (unbeaten in 18 months) will continue and be the cornerstone for a successful season.

YMCA LFC would like to take this opportunity to thank Domino's Pizza, Spencer Road for their sponsorship this season and Willie Lamrock and his staff for their continued fantastic support at the YMCA Drumahoe and providing the excellent facilities for the club both on and off the pitch.