Antrim Town Women FC host first home game after an impressive start to season

IT’S been a whirlwind few weeks for the newly-formed Antrim Town Women FC in their first season as part of the Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association League Division.

Kicking off against Raceview FC Ladies at the start of the month in Ballymena, they won 1-0.

There was a poignant start to their first league match as players paid respect to young Crusaders player Kaylee Black, who passed away recently, with a minute’s silence.

Then it was on to an emphatic 10-0 demolition of Belfast Ravens, less than 48 hours later.

Then it was on to the Electric Ireland NI Challenge Cup on Friday with a 2-1 loss in extra time against Championship side Belfast Celtic Ladies.

At time of going to press, the side were due to take part in Round 1 of Northern Ireland Women's Football Association PwC LLP UK Super Cup 2023 against Kilmore Rec FC Ladies on Monday night.

And not stopping there, on Wednesday night, May 17, the side are due to host their first home match at the 3G pitches at Allen Park.

Sponsors The Turbo Shack and Blades and Beauty will be in attendance and there will be a focus on Mental Health Awareness Week.

Club sectretary Donna Rudd said that everyone is welcome to come along and cheer on the team.

“The council have been brilliant, facilitating home matches and training at Allen Park and Antrim Forum and we also train at the pitches in Parkhall.

“We have been going since February and we now have 28 women playing and training with us.

“We really want to give back to our communities and mental health support is a big thing for us.

“Although there was some double-jobbing in the beginning, we have a strong committee and we are looking at launching a youth set-up in the summer.

“We already have a lot of parents messaging us, asking about availability.

“As a team we are all about equality and growth, the club is built on players, volunteers and sponsors and we want to unite, inspire and grow.

“Fans can follow us on our social platforms, where we will have exciting news about new sponsors and of course match results and reports.

“We want our first home game to be a big occasion with a lot of buzz around it and anyone who wants to come down and support us will have a great evening.”