Soccer

An ‘incredible achievement’ as Cheryl Lamont is named first female president in Northern Ireland football history

When Cheryl Lamont was at primary school in Clough, Co Antrim she remembers the principal saying it was such a shame that young Cheryl couldn’t play on the school team. It wasn’t for lack of talent but because she was a girl.

Being a girl wouldn’t get in her way again.

Ms Lamont CBE, now 59, has been elected to be the President of the Co Antrim and District Football Association, succeeding Jim Jess.  She also currently sits on  the Uefa’s Women’s Football Committee.

“Hopefully this will encourage more women to get into the administrative side of football after they hang their boots up, into refereeing and coaching and so on,“ said Ms Lamont. “I am very pleased and privileged to have been elected.”  

FA President David Martin said Ms Lamont’s election was “ground breaking” and an incredible achievement” given she is the first female president in the 132 history of the County Antrim football district.

As the organisations figure head, Ms Lamont will preside over council meetings of Co Antrim members. 

Despite Ms Lamont’s minor setback at primary school, she would go on to play at a high standard. She set up a women’s team when she joined the Probation Board, where she still works, and later was a founding member of Glentoran Belfast United.

She would go on to excel as a coach, becoming the most successful women coach in Northern Ireland with Glentoran Belfast United and the under-19s Northern Ireland women’s team. Her experience is Europe-wide, as she led teams competing in UEFA Women’s competitions.

“I have put 35 to 40 years of effort into football, particularly women’s football.

“I’ve helped develop junior teams for girls and I was also very privileged to complete my A Licence as a coach.

“But football is not about male or female. At the moment I really enjoy taking my young nephews to under 8s and under 10s training every week in Belfast.

“If you have a love for football and are committed to helping the sport grow, there are lots of people out there who are willing to help and share their knowledge and their enjoyment of the game.”

Ms Lamont knows that the pandemic presents a real challenge for all sports, including football. The loss of sponsorship money and gate money are a worry in particular. She also fears that some kids may stop playing because of circumstances at home, health or money related.

“There will be challenges ahead. I have no doubt with the level of experience across all aspects of the game in the Co Antrim we will work  collaboratively with the IFA  to seek to overcome any difficulties and ensure the sport continues as best it can during the period of the pandemic. There will be change in the game, that is for sure.”