First Singing done and dusted ;)

Exciting times for Barnsley bound Darren

Ballyclare Secondary School pupil Darren McKnight is set to embark on an exciting career across the water with Championship footballing outfit Barnsley. The Year 12 GCSE PE pupil has signed a contract with Barnsley which begins immediately after his exams at the start of July. He will begin his footballing life in the fast lane as he gets straight into pre-season training in July, whilst settling in to his new digs with his host family.

Darren’s success on the football pitch has not gone unnoticed in his short career. At U-15 level he got selected for Northern Ireland team through the County Antrim squad of excellence. In this team he played for Northern Ireland U-15's in a tri nations tournament in Dublin, playing against Wales and Republic of Ireland.

Following this tournament Darren was asked to go on trial at Sunderland Football Club for several months and then onto Leeds United where he stayed for six months. Darren then joined Glenavon Football Club U16's, winning the Northern Ireland Cup. He then trained with Barnsley u-18's, fitted in well and trained well enough to get asked back several times for further training.

At Under 17 level Darren again played for Northern Ireland in the European Championships in Luxembourg, in a group featuring France, Faroe Islands and Luxembourg. More recently he re-visited Barnsley for his work experience where he trained and played in a match against Leicester City. Shortly before he was due to leave he received the offer he was waiting for, a 2 year scholarship with Barnsley.

Darren has shown a great desire and hunger during his time at Ballyclare Secondary which has shone through in his short footballing career. Exciting times lie ahead for Darren in England and everyone at Ballyclare Secondary School wish him every success in his future career.

A few words from Darren ........................


•U15 - selected for Northern Ireland team through County Antrim squad of excellence;
•played for Northern Ireland U-15's in tri nations tournament in Dublin, playing against Wales and Republic of Ireland; following tournament was asked to go on trial at Sunderland for several months then to Leeds United where I stayed for 6 months until change of management and ended their interest;
•joined Glenavon FC U16's, winning Northern Ireland Cup then began trial at Barnsley FC
•trained with Barnsley U18's, fitted in well and trained well enough to get asked back again and again
•U17's went to the European Championships with Northern Ireland U17s in Luxembourg in a group with France, Faroe Islands and Luxembourg
•went to Barnsley for my work experience, where I trained and played in the match against Leicester City
•day before I went home I was offered a 2 year scholarship after I finished school
•my contract starts 1st July 2012, when I will move over and live in England, achieving my dream of being a professional footballer.