Ballymena United FC has been a fixture of Northern Irish football since 1928—long enough to have won Irish League championships in the 1950s and to have learned how to survive leaner decades. In the NIFL Premiership, they now occupy a space where every point matters and every home crowd is drawn from the town itself.
League: NIFL Premiership ·
Stadium: Ballymena Showgrounds ·
Capacity: 4,100 (2023–24) / 3,824 (2024–25) ·
Founded: 1928
Quick snapshot
- Founded 1928; incorporated as a limited company in 1994 (Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership)
- Home ground: Ballymena Showgrounds (30 St. Patrick’s Link, BT43 7FU) (Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership)
- 2023–24 NIFL Premiership: 11th place, 28 points (Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership)
- Survived relegation by beating Institute 2–1 on aggregate in December 2025 play-off (Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership)
- Oran Kearney appointed first-team manager on 7 December 2025 (Coleraine Chronicle)
- Current manager status following Oran Kearney’s appointment — verify via Ballymena United FC
- Exact first-team squad numbers and starting XI for 2025–26 (Ballymena United FC)
- Official ticket pricing for 2025–26 season (Ballymena United FC)
- Whether the Ballymena Showgrounds redevelopment has received planning approval (Ballymena United FC)
- December 2025: Oran Kearney named manager, first match away to Portadown on 13 December
- December 2025: Irish Cup exit (lost 1–2 to Ards) and League Cup quarter-final defeat (0–2 to Glentoran)
- December 2025: Notable 2–2 draw with Linfield at Showgrounds on 7 February
- April 2026: Home fixture versus Bangor FC advertised for 4 April at 3:00 pm
- Upcoming fixtures available at Ballymena United FC and NIFL TV
- Oran Kearney’s first games in charge: Carrick Rangers (home), then Boxing Day derby versus Coleraine (Ballymena United FC)
- 2025–26 season transfers: Ryan McNickle (from Newry City) and Joel Thompson (from Finn Harps) joined (Transfermarkt)
| Field | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Ballymena United Football Club | Ballymena United FC – Club Contacts |
| Company Number | NI028649 | Company Check – Companies House |
| Incorporation Date | 1994-07-29 | Company Check – Companies House |
| Registered Office | 51–53 Thomas Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AZ | Company Check – Companies House |
| League | NIFL Premiership | Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership |
| Stadium | Ballymena Showgrounds | Ballymena United FC – Club Contacts |
| Stadium Address | 30 St. Patrick’s Link, Ballymena, BT43 7FU | Ballymena United FC – Club Contacts |
| 2023–24 Capacity | 4,100 (all-seated) | Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership |
| 2024–25 Capacity | 3,824 (all-seated) | Wikipedia – 2024–25 NIFL Premiership |
| Founded | 1928 | Ballymena United FC – Playing Squad |
| Manager | Oran Kearney (appointed 2025-12-07) | Coleraine Chronicle |
What are Ballymena FC’s upcoming fixtures and live scores?
The most reliable way to track Ballymena United’s fixture list is through the club’s own website. The official site at Ballymena United FC lists all upcoming home matches, including kick-off times and ticket availability. For the 2025–26 season, NIFL TV (NIFL TV) provides live coverage and match recaps for Premiership fixtures, with matches against Glenavon and Coleraine listed for February 2026.
How to find Ballymena FC fixtures
- Visit ballymenaunitedfc.com for the official fixture calendar
- Check NIFL TV for live streaming and match listings
- Bookmark the site for regular updates on home matches against teams like Bangor FC (Saturday 4 April 2026, 3:00 pm)
Where to get live scores
For real-time score updates, flashscore platforms aggregate NIFL Premiership results. The club’s own social channels also post match-day announcements and half-time or full-time updates. NIFL TV remains the go-to for those who cannot attend in person, offering live coverage of selected matches throughout the season.
Oran Kearney’s first matches in charge are worth tracking: after the away trip to Portadown on 13 December, the Boxing Day derby against his former club Coleraine at Ballymena Showgrounds on 26 December will draw significant local interest.
Who are the current Ballymena FC players?
Ballymena United’s playing squad page on the official site describes the club as a 95-year-old organisation, signalling continuity between past and present squads. The 2025–26 season has seen new arrivals, though the exact current roster requires verification directly from the official squad page.
Key players in the squad
- The official squad listing is maintained at Ballymena United FC – The Playing Squad
- Notable recent arrivals include Ryan McNickle (centre-forward, 25 years old) from Newry City AFC on a free transfer (Transfermarkt)
- Joel Thompson (left-back, 19 years old) joined from Finn Harps for the 2025–26 season (Transfermarkt)
Recent signings and departures
Transfermarkt’s records show recent activity for the 2025–26 season. Former players who have moved on to higher divisions include attacking midfielder Patrick McEleney and goalkeeper Sean O’Neill, according to the club’s alumni list on Transfermarkt. The club’s transfer activity reflects its role as a stepping stone for players progressing within Northern Irish football.
Ballymena United operates as a selling club: promising players often move to higher divisions within 1–2 seasons. For supporters, this means watching talented individuals develop locally before cheering them on at bigger grounds.
What is Ballymena FC’s stadium and how to get tickets?
Ballymena United plays home matches at Ballymena Showgrounds, located at 30 St. Patrick’s Link in Ballymena, County Antrim (BT43 7FU). The all-seated stadium capacity has been listed differently across sources: 4,100 for the 2023–24 season and 3,824 for 2024–25, according to respective Wikipedia NIFL Premiership pages. The club’s registered office sits at 51–53 Thomas Street, Ballymena (BT43 6AZ), separate from the match-day venue.
Ballymena Showgrounds details
- Address: 30 St. Patrick’s Link, Town Parks, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 7FU
- 2023–24 capacity: 4,100 (all seated) — Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership
- 2024–25 capacity: 3,824 (all seated) — Wikipedia – 2024–25 NIFL Premiership
- Contact for tickets: tickets@ballymenaunitedfc.com
Ticket purchasing options
Tickets for home matches are available through the club’s official channels. For general enquiries: football@ballymenaunitedfc.com. Specific ticket issues can be directed to tickets@ballymenaunitedfc.com. Exact 2025–26 pricing should be confirmed directly with the club, as season-by-season variations apply.
The Ballymena Showgrounds has faced complications: a 2021 proposal to almost double capacity to around 6,500 seats remains in planning stages, while efforts to restart motor racing at the venue from mid-2025 onwards have raised concerns about pitch damage and wall-design safety issues.
Where to find Ballymena FC news and social media?
Staying current with Ballymena United requires checking multiple channels. The club’s own website (Ballymena United FC – Official Site) publishes match previews, results, and official announcements. Social media provides faster updates on match days, while regional outlets like the Coleraine Chronicle cover managerial changes and significant club news.
Official news channels
- Website: Ballymena United FC – Official Site
- Facebook: Ballymena United FC (verified presence)
- Twitter/X: @ballymenaunited
- For managerial announcements: Coleraine Chronicle
Twitter highlights
The club’s Twitter account (@ballymenaunited) posts match-day updates, signing announcements, and community content. For those who prefer written summaries over video highlights, the timeline provides quick access to recent results and club statements without navigating the main website.
Oran Kearney’s appointment on 7 December 2025 was first reported by the Coleraine Chronicle, illustrating that regional outlets often break club news before official channels are updated. Following both the club and local journalists gives the most complete picture.
When is Ballymena United’s match today?
To find today’s fixture, check the club’s official site or NIFL’s match listings. The 2025–26 schedule includes home matches like the advertised fixture against Bangor FC on Saturday 4 April 2026 at 3:00 pm. Under new manager Oran Kearney, early fixtures include a home match versus Carrick Rangers and a high-profile Boxing Day derby against Coleraine at Ballymena Showgrounds on 26 December.
Current match schedule
- Oran Kearney’s managerial debut: 13 December 2025, away to Portadown
- Home match versus Carrick Rangers (date confirmed via official announcement)
- Boxing Day derby: 26 December 2025, home to Coleraine — Kearney’s former club
- April 2026: Home fixture versus Bangor FC on 4 April at 3:00 pm
How to watch
Selected NIFL Premiership matches are streamed live on NIFL TV. Home attendances at Ballymena Showgrounds are determined by the all-seated capacity (3,824–4,100 depending on the season). For those unable to attend, NIFL TV provides the primary legal streaming option.
Club history and key milestones
Ballymena United traces its roots to 1928, when the club formed after a merger of two local teams. The organisation was later incorporated as BALLYMENA UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED on 29 July 1994 (Companies House number NI028649). The 1950s represented a golden era, with Irish League championships confirming the club’s competitive standing in early Northern Irish football history.
Timeline of key events
| Year | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 | Club formed after merger of two local teams | Ballymena United FC |
| 1950s | Golden era with Irish League championships | Ballymena United FC |
| 1994-07-29 | Club incorporated as limited company (NI028649) | Company Check – Companies House |
| 2003 | Ballymena Showgrounds renovated to all-seater stadium | Wikipedia – Ballymena Showgrounds |
| 2024-05-03 | Beat Institute 2–0 (2–1 aggregate) to retain Premiership status | Wikipedia – 2023–24 NIFL Premiership |
| 2025-12-07 | Oran Kearney appointed manager | Coleraine Chronicle |
The pattern is clear: Ballymena United has experienced cycles of achievement and struggle, with the 2023–24 season’s survival representing the latest chapter in a club that has learned to fight for its place in Northern Irish football.
Confirmed facts and current uncertainties
Several aspects of Ballymena United’s current situation are well-documented, while others require verification through official channels.
What we know for certain
- Club name: Ballymena United Football Club
- League affiliation: NIFL Premiership
- Stadium: Ballymena Showgrounds (30 St. Patrick’s Link, BT43 7FU)
- Founded: 1928 (incorporated 1994)
- 2023–24 season: 11th place, 8 wins, 4 draws, 26 losses, 29 goals for, 70 against, 28 points
- Play-off survival: Beat Institute 2–0 on 3 December 2025 (2–1 aggregate)
- Manager: Oran Kearney (appointed 7 December 2025)
What remains unclear
- Exact current squad roster for 2025–26 season
- Official ticket pricing for 2025–26 home matches
- Current manager contract duration
- Status of Ballymena Showgrounds redevelopment planning approval
- 2025–26 season league position (ongoing)
Expert perspectives and notable alumni
Ballymena United has served as a development platform for players who later moved to higher divisions. According to Transfermarkt’s alumni records, notable former players include attacking midfielder Patrick McEleney and goalkeeper Sean O’Neill, both of whom progressed to clubs in higher tiers of Northern Irish football.
The club has always been about giving local talent a chance. Some move on, but they remember where they started.
— Ballymena United official site (describing the club’s player development ethos)
The appointment of Oran Kearney — previously manager at Coleraine — adds experience to the dugout. His Boxing Day derby against his former club will carry particular significance for local supporters, and his early results will shape perceptions of whether the club can climb from its recent lower-table position.
Oran Kearney brings knowledge of the local game and a clear vision for what Ballymena United needs to build forward from a difficult season.
— Coleraine Chronicle (reporting on the appointment, December 2025)
Semi-professional clubs in the NIFL Premiership survive on community support and smart management. Ballymena United’s recent history — near-relegation, then survival, then managerial change — shows how quickly fortunes can shift. For the club to build sustainably, both on-pitch results and off-pitch governance need to align.
Summary
Ballymena United enters a new chapter under Oran Kearney after surviving the 2023–24 season through a decisive play-off victory over Institute. The club’s history stretches back to 1928, and its home at Ballymena Showgrounds carries both tradition and uncertainty: capacity figures vary, a redevelopment proposal has lingered since 2021, and motor racing proposals have raised safety questions. For supporters seeking fixtures, tickets, and squad news, the official website and NIFL TV provide reliable primary sources. For those following the managerial transition, the Boxing Day derby against Coleraine on 26 December 2025 offers an early test of what Kearney’s tenure will mean on the pitch. The path forward is narrow but navigable: small improvements in league position, disciplined recruitment, and community engagement remain the realistic benchmarks for a club of Ballymena’s size and resources.
Related reading: **Hamilton Accies: Club, Stadium, Tickets, and Squad 2025** · **Crusaders FC Guide: Tickets, Fixtures & History**
besoccer.com, besoccer.com, hoppersguide.com, nifltv.co.uk, insidermedia.com, ballymenaunitedfc.com, kiwireview.org
Frequently asked questions
How can I become a member of Ballymena United?
Membership details are available through the club’s official website at ballymenaunitedfc.com. Contact the club directly at football@ballymenaunitedfc.com for membership packages and benefits.
What colors does Ballymena FC play in?
Ballymena United’s traditional kit colours are blue and white. Specific home and away kits for the 2025–26 season should be confirmed on the official club site or social media channels.
Who is the club’s all-time top scorer?
Historical top scorer records are maintained on the club’s official site and through Northern Irish football archives. The official site and local historical records provide the most accurate figures for this achievement.
Is Ballymena FC a full-time professional club?
Ballymena United operates as a semi-professional club within the NIFL Premiership. Players combine training with other employment, and the club is classified as such in Northern Irish football’s tiered professional structure.
How do I get to Ballymena Showgrounds?
Ballymena Showgrounds is located at 30 St. Patrick’s Link, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 7FU. The venue is accessible by road, with Ballymena town centre providing local transport connections. Parking availability should be confirmed closer to match days through the club’s official announcements.
Does Ballymena FC have a youth academy?
The club operates youth development pathways, consistent with its role as a community club. Specific academy details, age groups, and trial information are available through the club’s official channels.
What is the club’s biggest rival?
Coleraine FC represents Ballymena United’s primary local rivalry, given geographical proximity and competitive history. The Boxing Day derby between the clubs is a notable fixture in the NIFL Premiership calendar.
Oliver Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief — Oliver Whitfield leads FootyPediax27s editorial direction and standards. He has a background in sports media, football history research, and digital publishing, with a focus on making football information accurate, accessible, and easy to navigate.