Rebekah Reynolds has travelled the world to play the beautiful game but insists her heart will always be with Ballymena United Allstars.
The 26-year-old travelled to the USA back in 2015 as part of a football scholarship with Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the former Cambridge House Grammar student will never forget, but she has now set her sights on a long-term future with her hometown club.
The defender was named NIWFA Championship Player of the Year last season for her part in Ballymena’s successful campaign, one that saw them lift the League Cup with a 4-0 win over Carnmoney Ladies in the final.
Reynolds scored a hat-trick that night, an impressive treble that contributed to her being the Allstars’ top scorer in 2018-19.
And she hopes to hit the ground running when Ballymena kick off the new season on Wednesday against newly-promoted Crewe United.
“Last season was a positive one,” Rebekah said.
“Winning the League Cup was fantastic for the club, and scoring a hat-trick in the final was the icing on the cake.
“We didn’t win the league, but there were definitely a lot of positives to take from the year.
“Crewe United will be a tough opener for us on Wednesday. They have just been promoted and will be out to prove a point.
“It would be good to get back in the Premiership, but I don’t think spend- ing a bit of time in the Championship will do this team any harm.
“It is a great learning curve for the players and it will stand us in good stead. We have a great Under 13 and U15 set-up here and it is all about bringing those young players through the ranks and into the first team.”
Reynolds admits her Player of the Year award came as a shock, despite her stellar season for the Sky Blues.
“I got nominated and didn’t really think I would win, but then my name got called out at the ceremony,” she said.
“I certainly didn’t expect that. I had missed a few games at the start of the season due to my hockey commitments, so to end up winning Player of the Year was a big shock for me.
“But it was great to win it as it is a reflection of the team’s performances throughout the season.”
Rebekah added: “I love playing for Ballymena. I am proud to be from Ballymena and play for the women’s team. I am also a big fan of Ballymena United, and my granda is also a massive fan.
“It is great for the town the way David Jeffrey’s team has played this season. David is also a big fan of the women’s team and keeps a close eye on our progress.
“He was at the League Cup final and you could hear him supporting the team. That means a lot to us.”
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