Considering the current price of match balls and the new multi ball system, the job of ball boy has evolved from a relatively straightforward task to an increasingly important role.
Finn Harps media spoke to Adam and Jamie, our two young men tasked with the job at every home match.
So lads let’s start with the basics: tell us your Name, age, where you’re from, your school and which team you play with?
Adam My name is Adam Meehan, I’m 14 years old, from Donegal Town. I attend The Abbey vocational School, and I play as a goalkeeper for Donegal Town FC.
Jamie My name is Jamie Curristan, I’m 13 years old and I’m from Donegal town. I go to the Abbey Vocational and I play for Donegal town FC.
How long have you been supporting Harps and what prompted you to become a ball
boy?
Adam: I’ve been supporting Finn Harps for around 5 years. I always loved going to matches and being part of the atmosphere. I became a ball boy because I wanted to get more involved and help out on match nights.
Jamie ’I’ve been supporting Finn Harps for about 6 or 7 years. My family has always had a big connection with the club, so I’ve grown up around Finn Park. I became a ball boy because I wanted to get more involved and experience the match nights from a different side.
Describe a typical match night’s work. How has the multi-ball system changed the job?
Adam On match nights, we arrive early, get our bibs, and go over where we’ll be positioned.
With the multi-ball system, it’s a bit different. Before the match, all the balls are placed on cones around the pitch. If the match ball goes out of play, the player takes one from a nearby cone, and we collect the old match ball and put it back on the cone. It keeps the game moving quickly and means we have to always be alert.
Jamie On match nights, we get our bibs and head straight to our positions before kick-off. Once the game starts, we have to stay focused and be ready every time the ball goes out. With the multi-ball system, it’s quicker. The balls are set out on cones all around the pitch. When the match ball goes out, the player uses the nearest ball from a cone, and we collect the one that went out and place it back. It makes the game flow better and keeps us on our toes.
What’s it like being close to the action at matches?
Adam It’s an amazing experience. You’re right beside the pitch, so you see everything: the tackles, the goals, the celebrations. You can feel the energy!
Jamie It’s class. You’re right beside the pitch and get to see everything up close ,and even hear the players. The atmosphere is unreal and it’s great to be so close to it all.
Do you enjoy being part of the match night team?
Adam Yes, I really enjoy it. Everyone works together and it’s a great way to be part of the club. It feels good to help out and be involved in making the night run smoothly.
Jamie Yes, definitely. It’s good fun and everyone works together.
Do you intend to continue volunteering for Finn Harps?
Adam Definitely. I love being part of the club, and I want to keep volunteering as long as I can. It’s a great experience and I’m proud to support and be involved in Finn Harps. Up The Harps!
Jamie Absolutely. I love doing it and I want to keep helping out for as long as I can. It’s a great experience and being part of the Harps family means a lot! Up the Harps!