Former ball boys ready to represent FC United this weekend

It will be a coming of age for two former ball boys as they represent FC United in the fans five-a-side tournament in Italy this Saturday. 

With the men’s first team taking on Lewes in the semi-finals at 18.30 CET on Friday, there’s also a fans five-a-side competition on Saturday, (timings to be confirmed).

Ten fans have been lined up to play for FC for a friendly at Copelia Beach and among them are two former members of the ball-crew, Ben Keenan and Louis Noon. 

Both are due to be re-united in Italy with FC’s Club Welfare Officer/Juniors’ team leader Chris Boulderstone, who said: “Both boys have been fantastic ambassadors for our club, from being important members of our ball crew and turning out in all weathers to help out the team, to now running out in the team colours for the fans five-a-side tournament in Italy.”

Asked what their highlights were from their ball crew days, Louis said: “Getting frozen to the advertising hoardings at Bower Fold when we had our home games in Stalybridge then Matty Walwyn scoring the winner after coming off the bench in injury time in the FA Trophy.”

Ben said: “Greg Daniels’ header to beat Stourbridge and win the league at the Tameside Stadium.” 

Rumours are he still has an empty champagne bottle from that night.

Both agreed, however, that their FC biggest highlight was Michael Norton scoring a shock winner against Rochdale in the FA Cup first round on Bonfire Night 2010. Let’s hope they go on to further glory in Europe this weekend. Good luck lads!