Our History

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Antrim Rovers Football Club has a rich and inspiring history that spans over 25 years. Founded in 1998, the club emerged from a heartfelt desire of local fathers to create a cross-community football experience for their children, free from political or religious affiliations. This group of "Dads" wanted their sons to play in a safe, inclusive environment that united young people across community lines.

The club’s name, "Antrim Rovers" reflects its humble beginnings and lack of a fixed home. In the early days, the young players had to train and compete wherever a pitch was available, becoming "Rovers" in every sense of the word. Starting with just one team, Antrim Rovers quickly grew as more families joined, transforming into a close-knit community that valued football, teamwork, and inclusivity. Today, the club proudly fields teams across all age groups, from adult squads down to the under 7’s age group with a mix of boys and girls teams. 

Over the years, Antrim Rovers has faced its share of challenges. Despite difficult moments, the club has been sustained by a passionate team of volunteers and a deep-rooted commitment to its mission. Parents, coaches, groundskeepers, and supporters alike have all played pivotal roles in overcoming obstacles, fuelling the club’s growth, and ensuring a positive environment for young players. One of the original founders remains deeply involved in the club, embodying the unwavering support and dedication that has driven Antrim Rovers’ success. 

The club celebrated a significant milestone in 2023: its 25th anniversary. To commemorate this, Antrim Rovers secured a long-anticipated lease with the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for a dedicated home ground at Allen Park.  This new space marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, including plans for a perimeter fence to define our home turf and protect the pitches that the club’s ground staff diligently maintain.

Antrim Rovers isn’t only about football; it is about giving back to the community. The club has been closely involved in local events like the Antrim Festival, Its annual tournament welcoming 120+ football teams from across the province. In addition to this we run a vibrant Youth Academy that runs annually from May to the end of August every year. Held every Friday evening, our Academy attracts over 100 enthusiastic kids aged 4 to 10, along with their parents and siblings, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere. The club instils a strong ethic of “giving back” in its youth players through various fundraisers, helping them build a sense of belonging and purpose within the club and the broader community. 

The Antrim Rovers crest, designed by players from the club's very first team in 1998, embodies rich historical and local symbolism. At its centre, the crest features Antrim’s iconic Round Tower, an impressive structure from the 10th century that stands 28 meters tall and once served as a defensive stronghold for a monastic settlement. This historic landmark reflects the resilience and deep-rooted heritage of the Antrim community. The crest also showcases Lady Marian’s legendary wolfhound, a heroic figure from local lore. According to the tale, the noble hound saved Lady Marian Langford from a wolf attack near Lough Neagh, only to disappear mysteriously afterward. Its legend lived on in a stone carving said to appear atop Antrim Castle's highest turret during times of peril. Together, these symbols celebrate the club’s skill, speed, strength, bravery and enduring spirit, ideals that resonate with Antrim Rovers’ values on and off the pitch. 

With dreams of seeing stands filled with fans donning red and black scarves, Antrim Rovers continues to push forward with ambition and vision. Driven by an ever-growing group of passionate volunteers, parents, sponsors, and supporters, the club is committed to delivering quality football and fostering a spirit of unity in Antrim. The journey is ongoing, and the future is bright for “The Wee Rovers.”