Ballivor soccer club's fundraiser for their new 'home turf'
Hannah McNamara
Ballivor F.C. soccer club will hold a fundraiser in the village tomorrow to help them with getting a home pitch in Ballivor.
This 'Cycle to Nowhere' charity event will take place from 9:00am to 5:30pm outside Farrells gift shop.
It involves players of the club spending eight and a half hours cycling in 15 minute intervals on two exercise bikes.
Since the club started in 2016, they have never had their own pitch. They originally played their 'home' games in the MDL in Navan and moved to Delvin in 2020 as it is closer.
Their search for a site in Ballivor has been difficult and luckily they have recently found one which they will be signing the lease for soon.
The money raised from the fundraiser will be used to help in the cost to clear the site.
Ballivor F.C. soccer club have 140 players registered from U8's to U18's. 54 of these players from U12’s to U18's will be taking part in the fundraiser along with the managers.
For those who can't attend the event but would like to show their support for the club and community, you can donate online here.
Local businesses have been very kind to the club since they started by sponsoring jerseys and tops. They also pitch in with prizes for their fundraisers. Robbie Judge, Secretary for Ballivor F.C. soccer club said without them "we wouldn't survive."
Mark O'Grady, Club Chairman said:
"This year's fundraiser for Ballivor FC is an especially significant event given we are close to securing a home pitch within the proximity of our Village. Our new 'home turf' is within walking distance of the village which is so important given the number of young children who can now walk/cycle/e-scooter safely to our new grounds.
"Our new grounds will require significant investment in terms of time, capital investment and energy to create that 'field of dreams' that we have sought since the inception of the club. This is a significant undertaking for the Club but for a small club we have huge ambitions and will not be found wanting.
"Most importantly this year's fundraiser is about celebrating our incredible growth and the beginnings of a bright future for our players, parents and coaches within the community. It is also a recognition of our pride in the expansion of our girls soccer teams this year with over 35 girls (and growing) now playing for the club in this iconic year for women's soccer.
"Finally getting our own pitch will be monumental for our Club and Community. We are finally realising that 'dream' of having that space that we can now call 'home'. This will be a space that fosters comradery, happiness and fun. This will be a safe place where players of all abilities are welcome and every player will be equally valued.
"Our club values are fair play and equal opportunity for all. Most importantly there will be a huge sense of pride in ourselves and our community that we can come together and create something special. Welcome home Ballivor FC."