Just Us to take on Ballinamallard Select next week

Members of JustUs have been training hard under the guidance of Harry McConkey thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Shelley Cowan, one of the founding members of Just Us explained that members have been training for a number of weeks at Ferney Park and have been enjoying getting to grips with the sport.

She said: “Harry McConkey brought us in and explained the rules of football and told us about his career and we went out onto the pitch and had a kick about.

“We had a go at dribbling the ball, I had done bocce before, but I need someone to lift my leg to kick the ball, but at the end of the night we had a wee five a side.

“Others [from JustUs] were there to watch and did the walk and talk about the pitch and finished off for an hour in the club house.”

“We are looking forward to a bit of fun and good support from everybody, it is all about us bonding on the pitch and socialising with everybody.”

The group have been delighted by the support from parents and carers as they undertake this new challenge: “The parents and the carers have been on the sidelines as cheerleaders and dancing with music pumping on the side of the pitch.”

Shelley praised the efforts of Mr. McConkey at teaching the skills of football and building the confidence of participants.

She added: “Some members knew Harry from before so it was a nice reunion for people.”

JustUs members and their families have been enjoying their weekly trip to Ferney Park taking part in warm-ups, playing football as well as enjoying some socialising in the club.

Expressing her gratitude to the club and the Community Fund who funded the project, Shelley said: “We are so grateful to Ballinamallard United for hosting us and the Community Fund for the support.”

The match will take place at Ballinamallard United Football Club, Ferney Park, Ballinamallard on Monday, May 6 at 8pm. All supporters welcome.