For most burghers of Newtownards,Bradshaw tends to mean just one thing. A leisurely few hours at Bradshaw's Brae, the nearby golfing range just outside the town thumping a few balls. Well today's trip by by Ards Youth U17s was a hefty drive along the fairway to Blanchardstown, lurking along the fringes of western Dublin where Dermot Bradshaw, manager of Castleknock Celtic was our genial host.

How many of you know that there is a tuck shop open during Wednesday night's training at Londonderry Park where you can buy tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soups, etc. with all proceeds go back into the club?

It is tucked away in the changing rooms and you are more than welcome to come along for a chat, shelter from the inclement weather and help Ards Youth at the same.

Thanks also have to go to all the volunteers who help to keep it running.

Ards Youth - Summer Splash begins on 26th July with Football Training @ Westwinds Pitches 6:15pm until 7:30pm, followed by Kick Boxing @ Westwinds Community Centre 7:30pm until 8:30pm. Open to all boys and girls aged 10-17 years old. All sessions are free to attend.

Iain Hannah & Jon Stevenson's Ards Youth teams were invited to take part in the official opening of the Bowtown Multi Pitch on Saturday 17th July 2010 which was duly opened by the Deputy Major of Ards. Both teams took part in mini soccer games and all boys were presented with trophies at the end. Trophies were also awarded to player of the match;  Alex Majury (Under 13s), Garath Donnan (Under 15s) & Philip Hannah (Under 15s).

Ben Rutherford, a young boy who plays for Ards Youth team within the Castlereagh Games Development Programme is an amazing young man and should be an inspiration too us all.
"Why, you might ask?". Well Ben is currently waiting on a liver transplant and doctors are shocked that he can run never mind play football. According to his mum, his love of football keeps him going.
On Saturday the 8th May all teams donated £10, Ben's family and friends also made collections from parents and spectators at the three venues used for this small sided games programme for the The Northern Ireland Children's Liver Transplant. Over £700 was raised on the day and a further fundraiser by Ards Youth brought the total to £1000.

Barbara McNarry sister of the late, great George Best is pictured handing over the cheque to Ben's mum Amanda.

This Saturday, 26 June 2010, will see around 70 coaches, players and parents from Ards Youth U10 & U11 age groups coming together with other football clubs from the border region to participate in a special training workshop and football tournament aimed at tackling racism within junior football. The event takes place at Flynn Park, Carlingford and will include teams from Newry City, Cootehill and host club Bellurgan United FC.