St Mary’s Football Club scores with Northern Bank
St Mary's Football Club in Glengormley was celebrating this week after receiving a £500 grant from Northern Bank.
The money was provided through the bank's Staff Grant scheme and is being used to fund 100 footballs for the club's use in training and matches.
Northern Bank Staff Grants recognises the value of volunteering that employees undertake in their own personal time. It works by providing support of up to £500 to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, with which Northern Bank staff volunteer. Since its launch the scheme has donated over £57,000 to charities, uniformed organisations, amateur sports clubs and voluntary groups across Northern Ireland.
The club is made up of 160 boys and girls ranging from under10-17 years old and aims to promote cross community involvement by playing competitive matches in the South Belfast Youth Football League. As well as these weekly fixtures the teams have played in the NIFA Cup facing teams from all over Northern Ireland and in the Scotland Cup held in Ayr which attracts clubs from across the globe.
Brian Byrne, St Mary's Club Treasurer and Northern Bank Private Banking Manager said, “We aim to provide coaching and participation for as many young people as possible in the Newtownabbey and North Belfast area.
“Working for Northern Bank has helped me to help the club provide the equipment needed to offer the children fun and exercise as well as giving them something they can work towards and be proud of."
Rhonda Gibson, External Relations Manager, Northern Bank said, “Northern's Staff Grants allow us to support our staff who give up their time for the good of their communities. Brian has shown his commitment to St Mary's Football Club for over six years and we are delighted to encourage and assist his contribution to the children and his local area."