We are pleased to announce that the Inver Reds have joined forces with St. Mary’s Football Club, in an exciting new long-term academy partnership.
The partnership with the Belfast and Newtownabbey based club will see a commitment to the sharing of new and existing resources, coach education and the two-way movement of players between clubs at all levels.
Established in 1996, St. Mary’s FC has been serving its local community for almost 30 years by offering both youth and senior players the opportunity to improve their physical, social and mental health through sport.
Catering for boys and girls aged four years old straight through to senior football, the club has created strong pathways from small-sided games as an introduction to football right up to three senior teams who compete in the Northern Ireland Amateur League (NAFL).
By joining forces with the Inver Reds, St. Mary’s will join Newcastle United FC, Greenisland FC and Glens United FC as official partners, as we aim to continue building new relationships at all levels of the game.
Speaking on the academy partnership, Academy Director Ryan Prentice commented:
“As we continue to grow the academy set-up at Inver Park, we believe that surrounding ourselves with the best relationships available is a vital avenue towards achieving our objectives for this area of the club.
“St. Mary’s are the latest club to come on board as academy partners, and I believe this is another important link up which will benefit both ourselves and everyone at St. Mary’s. Much like our pre-existing partners, both parties will benefit from shared resources and collaboration which will give everyone the best chance to improve and grow going forward during what will be a long-term partnership.”
Dominic McAtamney, St. Mary’s Youth Development Officer, added:
“As Youth Development Officer at St. Mary’s, the club is all about growth and development, which is why it’s so exciting to partner with Larne Football Club. Larne have grown the domestic game by setting a high standard both on and off the pitch.
“They are the reigning top-flight champions and the facilities, media output and community outreach is excellent, alongside having care and support for everyone involved with their club. It was a no brainer for us to come on board and join their exciting project as partners, as we want to learn how that success works and be able to implement that into our club.
“It’s an exciting time for St. Mary’s and we will enjoy the journey. Alone we can do little, but together we can do so much.”
