About the Academy
Ballyclare Comrades Boy's Academy FC is an academy football programme which looks to engage with boys from the age of 4 up to 16 within the local community and beyond. The club offers young people the opportunity to participate in football development sessions delivered by volunteer coaches as well as competing in various league structures and cup competitions throughout the year. The club provides a platform for children and young people to develop themselves not only in sport but as people, teaching them the softer skills of empathy, compassion, dedication and commitment, as well as harnessing inter personal skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication. Providing training sessions and opportunity to participate competitively on a weekly basis allows for further growth in confidence, self-esteem, physical and mental fitness as well as increased social wellbeing.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide an opportunity for football and personal development to as many local young boys’ as possible, creating a sense of belonging and fellowship which will encourage them to pursue a lifelong involvement in sport.
Our Vision
Our vision is to develop and create a sustainable pathway for players to follow from grassroots to the senior football team and beyond.
Academy Director & 11 Aside Team's Coordinator - Johnny McClurg
My name is Johnny McClurg, a local lad and a former player and coach here at Ballyclare Comrades FC. I am a current UEFA A licence coach and have held the position of Boy’s Academy Director at Ballyclare Comrades since June 2022. My current Job role as Sport for Development Manager at Community Sports Network provides me with the relevant experience and expertise to take on this position within the club and I look forward to how we can shape and promote Boy’s football within the local area, with the aim of providing a strong sustainable pathway to the senior team.
7 & 9 Aside Team's Coordinator - Aaron Montgomery
I’m Aaron Montgomery, and I’m currently in my second spell coaching here at Ballyclare Comrades Academy.
In my playing days I also had 2 spells here at Ballyclare Comrades. My journey through youth football saw me playing for St. Andrews boys club from 9 years old through to 15. I then signed for Linfield progressing through to Linfield swifts at 18. My particular highlights were; one being part of Co. Antrim’s Milk Cup team played with some super players, and two playing for Crusaders in the Irish league.
However my personal ambition as a kid was to play for my hometown team at Dixon Park. I’m glad to say as mentioned above, I enjoyed two spells here and see it as a great privilege to be part of the coaching team at Ballyclare Comrades Boys Academy. My ambition as a coach, and head of phase, is to help players fulfil their potential and go on from our academy into the senior team. I believe the club to be on the brink of great success and am motivated to be a part of it.
Development Co-ordinator - Stephen Hughes
I’m Stephen Hughes, former Head Coach for Ballyclare Colts Football Club overseeing the development of our young players in the area for the last 14 years.
Delighted to be part of the successful transition of Ballyclare Colts to our Boys Academy.
In the past, I had the privilege of coaching and managing our Senior Team, and now look forward to developing the next group of players for our ever-growing football club.