125th anniversary of Ards Football Club
Tabled 8 September 2025 by Jim Shannon
That this House celebrates 125 years of Ards FC, formed in 1900 by workers from Webb’s Weaving Company on the Crawfordsburn Road in Newtownards; notes the club’s rich history, including players such as World Cup winner George Eastham who was part of England’s 1966 squad, and full Irish internationals Andy Bothwell, Tommy Forde, Billy Humphries and Paul Kee; highlights their trophy successes, including winning the Irish League Championship in 1958 and, in 1973-74, when four trophies were won and Belgian side Standard Liège were defeated at Castlereagh Park in front of 8,000 spectators; recognises the diversity of their academy that caters for 24 teams, with age groups ranging from 4 to 18; is aware that they also operate a very successful Inclusion team which has grown from strength to strength over recent years; further highlights the legacy the football club has created; believes there is a bright future with potential prospects of a new stadium; and wishes the club all the very best for many more years of success.