1st Greenisland takes national title!
Wednesday 4th May 2016Members of 1st Greenisland company, The Boys’ Brigade, have been crowned National Football Champions at the UK & ROI Finals Grangemouth Sports Complex, near Falkirk, on Saturday 30th April.
The team, playing in their very first Junior Football final, had competed with teams from across Northern Ireland to make the final which was hosted by Falkirk & District battalion. In recent years, the company has participated in the Masterteam and also the Table-tennis finals. Making up the team were Cameron Banford, Aaron Douglas (team captain), Matthew Irvine, Ross McGimpsey, Jack Norton, Jacob Ogle, Rhys Slinger and Andrew Turk.
Speaking after the final whistle, Donald Blair, BB Leader and Captain of 1st Greenisland, said:
“This has been the highlight of my BB Career. The organisation of this tournament was first class and I want to thank Falkirk & District for all they did to make it a memorable day for the boys and parents who travelled to support.
“The standard of football and behaviour was outstanding throughout and it is a great advert for The Boys’ Brigade and a super achievement for the boys. It was convincing win – bring on The Euros!”
The national Football competition is one of series of sporting competitions in which BB members from across the British Isles take part.
Bill Stevenson, Acting Brigade Secretary, said:
“Congratulations to the team from 1st Greenisland who have won the title for the very first time!
“Getting to the final is an achievement in itself and the result of months of hard work and team work, not to mention the support from many BB leaders. Football is one of several UK & ROI-wide competitions which The Boys’ Brigade offers in order to challenge our young people and help them develop skills and lead more active lives.”
Along with 1st Greenisland, other companies taking part in the Final were: 1st Hinckley & 2nd Tonbridge, representing England; 2nd Saintfield representing Northern Ireland; 2nd Gourock & 1st Greenock representing Scotland.
