THE RAVENS TURN VISION TO REALITY

ANY regular readers (or anyone who knows me) will be well aware that I’m a pretty big fan of the beautiful game. As a result, my wife has been dragged to all sorts of grounds in the last few years – she’s a regular at The Oval, has been to Windsor Park a few times and even Old Trafford last year. Poor Lisa has even suffered through watching my own team – Newtown Forest Thirds – when we play in the dizzy heights of the South Antrim League – Division 2.

That said, I didn’t expect her to one day turn round and suggest she have a go herself. I was pretty excited by the idea – and we discovered that women’s football is increasingly popular in Northern Ireland – with the new look Danske Bank Women’s Premiership and a number of decent local leagues all thriving. But we also realised there wasn’t really much on offer for beginners. So Lisa decided to set up her own team – The Belfast Ravens – who’d be dedicated to teaching women the basics.

To say the idea took off is an understatement. Within a few weeks an entire squad was formed via word of mouth, a sponsor was found (cheers to Search Scientist!), kits were ordered and a friendly arranged. And Sunday past, The Belfast Ravens held their own against championship side Lagan Athletic, losing just 4-1 – in what was a brilliant first game. Now – suddenly – there’s a lengthy waiting list of players wishing to join! The general feeling is that a lot of women who are looking for something a little more challenging (and a lot more fun), with regards to getting fit. And that it’s strange there isn’t many options to play football at an entry level.

As for the connection to local music? Well – the goalscorer on Sunday past was one Shannon O’neill, lead singer with the awesome Sister Ghost, who I’ve spoken about here a great deal!

You can check out The Belfast Ravens by searching on facebook – though it’s worth taking note of the lesson Lisa learned. If you want to join a team that doesn’t exist, there’s nothing to stop you setting up one yourself….