Glentoran Women set off next week to play their opening tie in the UEFA Champions League.
The match is against Swiss champions Servette FCCF in the Wikliof Holding Arena in Mariehamn, Finland. Kick off is at noon on Wednesday 18th August.
Announcing the travelling squad, General Manager Billy Clarke told www.glentoran.com : " It's been 5 years since we last competed in the Women's Champions League when we finished 3rd. As a club and squad we are so looking forward to playing in this competition again. We are now competing in a new tournament format with 2 semi-final games on Wednesday 18th August when we play Servette the Swiss Champions and Cluj from Romania play Aland United, the Host Club from Finland. The 2 winners play on Saturday 21st night with the 2 losers involved in a 3rd place playoff on Saturday afternoon.
Having finished 3rd in both 2015 and 2016 competitions we know how difficult the task is to get to the final when we face Servette ranked 17th against our 42nd ranking. Our preparations have gone well, and we are playing well in our league and cup games. I know our players and coaches are looking forward to the tournament and we will do our best and enjoy the experience”.
The squad named by Billy and his coaching team is:
2. Annie Timoney
3, Jess Foy (captain)
4. Emma McMaster
6. Nadene Caldwell
7. Makyla Mullholland
9. Rachel Rogan
10. Ali McMaster
11. Lauren Wade
12. Ashleigh McKinnon
14. Jenna McKearney
15. Sam Kelly
17. Joely Andrews
18. Danielle Maxwell
19. Kerry Beattie
20. Casey Howe
21. Kelly Bailie
22. Cara Mervyn
27. Shannon Dunne
30. Emma Higgins
97. Chloe McCarron
Skipper Jess Foy also spoke to www.glentoran.com : ““We’re very excited as a squad to be heading away to play in the UEFA Champions League Qualification stages. Last year our goal was to win the league and to be back playing at the highest level. We achieved that so now it’s going to be a massive challenge for us, one that we are very much looking forward to.”
The club’s most experienced player Kelly Bailie, who has played for the club in Europe on seven previous seasons and who this season is operating very successfully as a centre back, shared some of her thoughts on this European adventure: “For any of the players that haven't been to Europe I'd say: Enjoy the experience and believe in yourselves. Work hard and continue to all the good things that we have been doing over the past number of months. Everyone deserves to be there and has the talent to produce a top-class performance and hopefully get a result.
As a club we always want to improve on our previous European experiences. I think over the years we have done that and got stronger along the way. Although it's going to a couple of tough games there is no doubt about the quality of the squad, and I believe we will all leave the pitch knowing we gave our all. Even though we haven't been in Europe since 2015 we will go into next week determined to do well and wanting to get a result. Our squad is full of extremely talented players that are also willing to work hard for one another. As a team we will go with a desire to work hard, play our football and hopefully do ourselves and everyone at home proud”.
This is an amazing group of players who bring immense credit to the club and who go from strength to strength season to season. They currently hold all four senior trophies in Northern Ireland, and we know they will enhance Glentoran’s standing and prestige in this tournament.
Good luck girls, we’re all deeply proud of you!
All matches in Glentoran's group in the tournament will be streamed live HERE on the YouTube page of Aland United, the host team.