Newtownabbey is blessed with a number of well-respected clubs. Teams have pedigree in their divisions and cup competitions, with silverware coming to the borough’s trophy cabinets over recent seasons.
We took a look through the Times archive to see some of the squads to have graced their respective leagues over the years.
Here’s 10 teams to have represented the local area.
1. Squad goals
Mossley FC, an Amateur Football team established 1949, play their home games at Mossley Pavilion. They are pictured in 2012. Photo: Freddie Parkinson
2. Squad goals
Nortel FC play in division 2B of the Northern Amateur Football League. They are pictured in 2012. Photo: Freddie Parkinson
3. Squad goals
The highest-ranked team in Newtownabbey, Ballyclare Comrades play in the NIFL Championship. The club, based at Dixon Park, trace their history back to 1919 when soldiers returning from World War I established the team.They are pictured at the start of the 2010/11 campaign. Photo: Freddie Parkinson
4. Squad goals
4th Newtownabbey play in the NAFL Division 2B. Their home games are played at Three Mile Water Playing Fields. They are pictured in action in 2009. Photo: Freddie Parkinson