Football Focus FF85 Web | Page 14

Ballinamallard United FOLLOW FOLLOW US US ONLINE ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG Ballinamallard United FOOTBALL CLUB B allinamallard United FC is a fine example of the important role that a club can play in their local community. Football Focus Magazine recently caught up with Chairman Tom Elliott to find out more about how they have been getting along lately. Tom told us, “I, and my family before are from the village of Ballinamallard. I played for the club when it was playing at junior level through the 1980s. I’ve been on the club senior committee for over ten years.” “It is purely a voluntary role, as with all other club workers. Ever since I’ve been involved as a player and behind the scenes on the committee finance is always a struggle. In recent years we have put in strict club management procedures to better budget and develop for the future. It is always challenging as a volunteer to manage your time between work and voluntary commitment with the Club and other roles. 14 Issue 85 “The rewarding aspects are watching the Club develop year on year, both from a playing perspective but also the fabric and infrastructure around it. Most gratifying is to see the young people develop in the sport and the good relations develop within the club and between other clubs. “With making it to the Irish Cup final, the buzz, the atmosphere and mood at the Club and within the community was astonishing! We are a Club of volunteers and everyone was in overdrive. The village and Club area were decorated with blue and white bunting, banners and flags. This is unprecedented for the area!