Carryduff Swifts Walking Football

A huge word of thanks to the men of the Bravehearts Group who meet at the Falls Leisure Centre and who generously gave their time to help with preparations for this year’s Solemn Novena.
From lifting and moving equipment to setting up chairs and preparing various areas around the church and grounds, their practical support has been invaluable. Their willingness to serve behind the scenes helps ensure that everything is ready to welcome the many people who will join us during the Novena.
We are deeply grateful for their kindness, generosity, hard work, and community spirit.

Amina and Anne from Triathlon Ireland with Eamon and Derek from Carryduff Swifts. Both players just completed the first of eight Duathlon Sessions at Lough Moss. Derek and Eamon both commented the session was fantastic and great for staying fit for walking football.

Terry Mc Cullough and Eamon Quinn from Carryduff Swifts were members of the N. I. over 70’s panel which played in a walking football International Tournament at Avoniel, Belfast today Friday 17th April. The participating teams consisted of 2 teams in each age category from England and N. I. at over 60’s, over 65’s and over 70’s. Each team played 2 games of 20 minutes each way with walking football referees making the all important decisions on the pitch. Although the N. I. over 70’s lost their first game they were able to record a win against England over 70’s in their 2 nd game. Terry Mc Cullough was influential at midfield. With the game at a stalemate at 1-1 with 8 minutes to go Eamon Quinn slotted home a well worked team goal to give the N. I. over 70’s a well deserved win. The tournament was a great success and England expressed their appreciation for the hospitality shown to them by the N. I. Walking Football Federation and the I. F. A.

The Carryduff Swifts walking football team participated in a very enjoyable walking football tournament at Londonderry Park Ards on Friday 27th March.

Carryduff played two six a side games against Scrabo Stoners and Avoniel/Shankill. Each game lasted for 15 minutes per half and the first game against Scrabo was evenly contested until late in the 2nd half when the Swifts conceded 2 goals against the run of play.

The second game ended in a 1-1 draw. The Swifts took an early lead through excellent team play in the first half but a win eluded them when in the 2nd half Avoniel/Shankill managed to equalise.

Overall the Swifts can be pleased with their passing, discipline and link up play and all 8 players maintained a very high standard of play throughout the day.

Congratulations must go to Scrabo Strollers who hosted the tournament and who provided a very tasty selection of sandwiches, tray bakes, tea and coffee after the tournament ended.
There were eight walking football teams participating in the tournament and each team donated an agreed amount of money to the charity the British Heart Foundation. It is understood that a generous amount was raised for this very worthwhile charity.

The Carryduff Swifts team at the Scrabo Tournament: Terence, Eamon, Derek, Terry, Philip, Paul, Dave and Callum. Well done to everyone. 👏👏

Carryduff Swifts are entering into the next stage of their recruitment for walking footballers by circulating the above poster in the Carryduff, Lisburn and Moneyreagh area. Approaches have also been made to users of the Saintfield Community Centre.

It is hoped that over time walking footballers will emerge from all parts of the Carryduff hinterland and they will have the opportunity to experience the fantastic 3G MUGA pitches at Lough Moss. The Swifts have also teamed up with the brilliant Danderball organisation with expert coaching from Danny. The Friday sessions begin with a warm up, relevant walking football drills and an evenly matched game followed by a wee discussion about all things football.

The club is affiliated both to the I.F. A. and the Walking Football Federation in N. I. and players are signed up to the codes of conduct.

The Swifts are participating in the Ards Strollers tournament Friday 27th March in Londonderry Park, Newtownards. It is hoped that this will be a fantastic festival of walking football and an opportunity for playing against and socialising with players from six other Walking Football clubs.

Congratulations also goes to Eamon Quinn who attended Northern Ireland walking football trials and was invited to join the N.I. over 70’s panel in preparation for games against England in Avoniel on 17th March. We wish Eamon all the very best with his endeavours.

A write up, results and photos will be on our Facebook after the Ards Walking Football tournament.