Ballymena United invites former Sky Blues home for first-ever Past Players Day
Ballymena United captain Aaron Stewart lifts the County Antrim Shield after defeating Linfield in Tuesday nights Final at the Oval on 27 November 2012. (Image: William Cherry/Presseye)
Friday 23 October 2026
Every footballer who has pulled on a Ballymena United shirt at senior level is being invited back to the Showgrounds for a special reunion celebrating the players who have helped shape the club’s history.
The Sky Blues will host their first-ever Past Players Day on Saturday 28 November, when Cliftonville visit Ballymena for a 6pm kick-off, bringing former team-mates and supporters together for an evening of football, memories and familiar faces.
The invitation extends to every former senior player, regardless of whether they made just one appearance or hundreds, with a free match ticket available to all who register.
Organised as part of the club’s United Together campaign, the initiative is designed to reconnect Ballymena United with generations of former players, including some who have not returned to the Showgrounds for years.
Every former player is part of the club’s story
Neil Coleman, Ballymena United’s Director of Marketing and Communications, said the occasion is about recognising everyone who has represented the Sky Blues.
“Simply put, if you wore the Ballymena United shirt, you’re one of us. Every player who has represented this club is part of its story, and hosting our first Past Players Day is our way of recognising that and welcoming them home to the Showgrounds.
“Early feedback from players we’ve sounded out has been excellent as some of these players haven’t been back in years, and our supporters will love seeing familiar faces and hearing the stories from their time at the club. We as a club want it to be the start of a lasting connection with our former players. We’d encourage every former Sky Blue to register, claim their free ticket and make a day of it with family and friends.”
Special Q&A open to supporters
The Showgrounds gates will open early at 4pm ahead of the evening fixture, giving supporters an opportunity to enjoy a special Past Players Q&A in the Des Allen Suite.
A panel of former Ballymena United players will share stories and memories from their time at the club, with the identities of those taking part due to be revealed in November.
The Q&A will be free for all supporters, providing an opportunity to hear directly from familiar Sky Blues faces before the match against Cliftonville.
How former players can claim their free tickets
All former senior Ballymena United players are encouraged to register, even if they are unable to attend the inaugural event.
• Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
• Venue: Ballymena Showgrounds
• Gates open: 4pm
• Past Players Q&A: Des Allen Suite, ahead of kick-off
• Match: Ballymena United v Cliftonville, 6pm
• Former players: Free match ticket upon registration
• Supporters: Free admission to the Past Players Q&A
Former players can register and claim their complimentary match ticket at www.ballymenaunitedfc.com/past-players-day.
The short registration form confirms attendance and updates contact details, allowing the club to maintain connections with former players.
Those unable to attend on 28 November are still encouraged to complete the form so they can receive information about future Past Players Days and other club initiatives.
Family members and friends wishing to attend the match can purchase tickets through the club’s usual ticketing website at ballymenaunited.ticketco.shop.
Helping bring the Sky Blues family together
Ballymena United is also asking supporters to help spread the word by contacting former players they know, sharing the invitation and tagging former Sky Blues on social media.
The club hopes its inaugural Past Players Day will become the beginning of a lasting relationship with those who have represented Ballymena United over the years, ensuring their connection with the Showgrounds continues long after their playing days have ended.
