Ballyclare parents ‘proud as punch’ after son makes debut for Crusaders

The parents of Ballyclare teen Jack Patterson have praised the coaches who have nurtured their son’s talent after he made his debut for the Crusaders first team.
Jack Patterson.Jack Patterson.
Jack Patterson.

The Ballyclare High pupil, who joined the north Belfast side at the start of last season, played the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Ards on December 14.

Jack (15), who was previously on the books of Greenisland FC, was named in the starting line up alongside Irish League stalwarts including David Cushley and BJ Burns.

His proud parents David and Claire and his brother Ross cheered him on from the stand.

Speaking to the Times, David said: “It was brilliant to see Jack make his debut at Seaview. We are proud as punch.

“He has played for the Under 16 and 18 sides and half way through this season he started playing for the reserves. This first team appearance is a brilliant step forward for him.

“Earlier this year he was selected for the Club NI elite football programme and has been on it from September. This programme is the UEFA IFA elite player pathway.

“He boards at Ulster University, Jordanstown from Sunday to Friday and after attending school he takes part in specialist training sessions each afternoon and evening. He loves it.

“We have noticed a real difference since he started the programme. He has matured as a person and it has really helped his football. They set the bar high and he has been improving.

“He owes a lot to the good folk at Greenisland FC, Crusaders JD Club NI, Aaron McNeill and Michael Whitley for the coaching and advice.”

Jack, who plays in centre midfield, has received plaudits and well wishes from members of the Newtownabbey community since he made his debut. His family wish to thank everyone who has sent messages of encouragement.

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.