With the Ballymena Vandals playing their first league games on Saturday in the U14 league we caught up with Marek Krsiak, Chairperson of the Ballymena Vandals.

What was the motivation behind starting juniors?

We started to add junior section to our club because we want to build strong hockey grounds. We want to build something for the future not like some other clubs that only be here for two or three seasons and never bring something for  future, they are only hockey consumers.

How do you see the first games on Saturday going? How about the rest of the season?

From first match we are not predicting something  magical, we have very big respect for our opponents and of course our own players because they practicing only about 5 months and I believe they will over time become best players in Northern  Ireland. I am proud of their hard work in last few months.

Any advice to other clubs starting juniors?

If some other clubs want to start with juniors they must have motivation, it is not easy. They  must choose between create future  for inline hockey or just play for own passion, or both! We will be happy if every club in Ireland will have their own plans for future and their own proper facility. But this is long way and hopefully one day became reality.

Cheers Marek, great to see another junior club up and running!