IRN BRU CUP FINAL DAY HAS ARRIVED     28.01.12

Cup Final Day has arrived and all roads head for Ballymena Showgrounds as Coleraine and Crusaders make their bid for league cup glory. The build up is over and both sides know they are so close now to being crowned winners for 2012.

Crusaders have one fitness worry with Davy MaGowan and a groin strain but they remain hopeful he will make it. Timmy Adamson will still be missing through injury and Cairan Gargan through suspension but Michael Halliday joins the squad and could well make the bench. The mood in the squad is very upbeat and confidence is sky high so it all feels good heading into the game.

Coleraine have returning Johnny Black in the squad and Crusaders will have to watch his dead ball expertise if selected. The rest of the squad is available and Oran Kearney will attempt to continue his teams good season so far.

The game has 2.30 kick off and supporters are asked to arrive early to avoid congestion entering ground.

BACK THE BOYS IN THE CUP FINAL     27.01.12

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAVELLING CRUSADERS SUPPORTERS     27.01.12

For those travelling to Ballymena by car on Saturday please click on the Away Day Travel tab to the right hand side of this page which will give instruction as to car parking on arrival.

Those travelling by supporters buses also click on the Away Day Travel tab for bus leaving times.

Can everyone please listen and heed instructions from Stewards and PSNI on duty both inside and outside the ground as they are there FOR YOUR SAFETY.

CRUSADERS U17's OFF TO SCOTLAND     27.01.12

Good Luck to Crusaders U17's squad who this morning where pictured at Seaview before heading off to Glasgow for the weekend. Saturday will see them play Motherwell Academy and on Sunday against Glasgow Rangers at Murray Park.

On Saturday afternoon the squad will be guests of Glasgow Rangers at their home game against Hibs.

Have a good weekend and enjoy the experience.

IRN BRU CUP FINAL SHIRTS AVAILABLE    26.01.12

With the Irn Bru League Cup Final against Coleraine coming up next Saturday (28th January) here is a great chance to get an authentic shirt worn by the players in the final. Shirts will be numbered 1-16 with no name and the cup final logo embroidered under the club badge.

The shirts are going fast and expected to sell out soon so get yours as soon as possible.

This is a great opportunity for Suppporters and Supporters Clubs to get a great souvenir of the Final. To sponsor a shirt please contact Norman Coleman on 07742 894067 or email ncrues@aol.com .Sponsorship will cost £100 per shirt which will be the one worn by the player in the final.

Get in quick to avoid disappointment and get yourself yet another piece of Crusaders history.

FORESHORE VIDEO UP AND RUNNING     22.01.12

As plans for the new Stadium at the proposed North Foreshore site is building momentum www.crusadersfc.com has uploaded a short flyover video of the area to show supporters what it could be like.

If you click on the Foreshore Stadium link on the right hand side of this page you can view the silent footage. It does look exciting and as time goes on more will be revealed as to what is happening with the move and the plans.

CRUSADERS YOUTH ACADEMY MAKE MAJOR PLANS     16.01.12

The Crusaders Youth Academy plan a major restructure for the season 2012/13. As a very young Youth Academy (we will be starting our 5th season in 2012/13) we feel that we have to move forward in providing football for kids aged 5 to 16. We have taken a mix of both the Dutch way of thinking and the Northern Irish passion and commitment and came up with the following.......

The Academy will be split into 3 sections.

The Mini Soccer Centre....U8's & U9's playing 5 and 7 a side football as well as our Mini Soccer Centre for 5 to 12 year olds. This will involve kids of all abilities playing small sided games with enjoyment of football being the main aim.

The Youth Development Centre.....U10's & U11's playing 9 a side, U12's & U13's playing 11 a side. The next step on the ladder will be two teams at both U10's & U11's playing 9 a side. Again enjoyment for the players is the main aim with an eye on the next step up to 11 a side at 12's and 13's.

The Academy U14's, U15's and U16's playing 11 a/side.....The big step up. The Academy will be even more professional and is aimed at preparing the players for the next level of senior football starting at U17's.

As a result we are looking for applications for Head of Coaching for all of the 3 above sections with UEFA C or above badges required.

We are also on the look out for experienced coaches for all age groups as well as scouts to cover all of Northern Ireland. We would also welcome young coaches looking to start out in football ie the future of coaches at Crusaders FC.

If you are interested in any of the above positions please apply for an application form with your name, age, address and coaching qualifications.

Crusaders Youth Academy
New Coaches
Seaview Stadium, St Vincent Street
Belfast, BT15 3PL