Shane McCabe and Adam Lecky strip off with the rest of the Ballinamallard squad for the 2017 Ballinamallard United FC calendar which is officially launched this week Picture: Ronan McGrade
A NEW ladies committee at Ballinamallard United Football Club is getting a real kick out of its first big fundraising venture.
The ladies kicked off their fundraising programme by producing a calendar with a twist.
Remember ‘Calendar Girls’? Well, the Ferney Park club is doing its own thing with players and coaching staff giving it a real team support.
The calendar is to be launched at a club fashion show where the players will have the chance to strut their stuff on the catwalk with professional models in the award winning Manor House Hotel tomorrow (Tuesday) evening, November 29th.
And it’s all in a good cause helping to raise awareness and money for ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ a cross border charity which helps people who are dealing with losing loved ones and mental health issues.
It is something that has affected the club directly and the Ballinamallard community over the years.
Ladies committee chairman Helen Hurst was delighted with the reaction from the club.
“The support has been great from the club especially the willing participants when we first suggested this idea.
“We hope to raise funds to support the charity ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ as in our club we know only too well the effect suicide can have on a local community.”
Club captain James McKenna commented, “I thought the gaffer was winding us up when this was suggested, but the opportunity to support the club and a local charity meant it was an easy decision fro the boys to commit to.
“It was fun making the calendar and a pleasant change for all of us to mix this with training over a few nights in October. I’m sure we’ll take some ribbing from family, friends, opponents and supporters but we are supporting good causes and this was our motivation to be involved.”
Club Chairman Jeff Aiken was a little sceptical as to how the players would react, but he said the management team and players had embraced the idea and is confident the calendar will be a great success.
Head Coach Gavin Dykes commented “I was delighted to support this excellent initiative and the players were more than willing to be involved. We had many laughs making the calendar. The strong community ethos that has been apparent since day one when I joined this club meant it was very easy to say yes to the Ladies Committee and the initiative.
It all takes place at the The Manor House on Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm. Kalissi Boutique, S D Kells Menswear- Enniskillen and Klass Design and Tom Read Menswear-Irvinestown will be supplying the clothes and tickets are still available at £10.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere