Formed in 1968 Ballynahinch United started out in the Newcastle and District Amateur Football League. After winning a number of league titles and the Harry Clark Cup, we moved to the Amateur League and we have remained for over 30 years.
There was rapid progression through Amateur League Divisions to 2A. This coincided with a number of Junior Cup and Cochrane Corry Cup Final appearances. However, these were unsuccessful, sadly.
For a number of years, we used Bells Bridge, Dromara and Langley Road, Ballynahinch as our home base but the club acquired The Millbridge in the mid-1980s from Ballynahinch Recreation FC, who had folded.
The club undertook significant development work to the grounds and were admitted into the Amateur League’s Intermediate 1C section. After that we soon gained promotion to Division 1B where we have played for most of the time since. Except in the mid-1990s when we gained promotion to Division 1A and also reached the final of the Clarence Cup.
By far the club’s greatest achievement was winning the Amateur League’s Border Regiment Cup in 1989. But from Division 1B we defeated British Telecom on penalties, after a 2-2 draw.
In 2018, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary. We held a prestigious night at The Millbrook Lodge Hotel. Past and present players and managers, friends and family all came together for a great night, hosted by Liam Beckett MBE to celebrate the club’s rich history and achievements.
In 2024, we reintroduced our third team, Ballynahinch Albion. They rejoined the Newcastle and District Association Football League in Division 2, which saw The Swifts moved to Diviison 1.
The club continues to develop and improve the facilities at The Millbridge and you can help. We have a number of sponsorship opportunities available for you and your business.
Contact us to find out more about the club, and learn how you can help.
