EVERY MONTH, A YOUNG MARY PETERS TRUST ATHLETE SPELLS OUT HOW THE CHARITY IS AIDING THE PURSUIT OF THEIR SPORTING DREAMS
Athlete: Gracie Conway
Sport: Ladies Football
Northern Ireland U19s squad member Gracie Conway chats about her football passion, her amazing family support and how Lady Mary Peters is a real role model inspiring Gracie to aim for the top tier in Ladies Football.
FOOTBALL is part of Gracie Conway’s DNA. The A-Level student from Antrim began playing with Carnmoney Ladies (now Ballyclare Comrades) when she was six and joined Lisburn Rangers over a year ago. She plays for the Co Antrim team alongside twin sister Daisy, who’s also a young football star in the making.
The Conway family’s passion for football stretches back two generations when Gracie’s grandad played for Larne FC. A love of the beautiful game was passed down to Gracie’s late dad who encouraged his daughters to play. Whilst Gracie and Daisy’s older sister Sophie weren’t mad into the game (she now has a successful career as a vet over in England) twin sisters Gracie and Daisy picked up the football ‘baton’ and their younger sister Lily has also taken up the sport.
“When my twin sister and I began to kick football, my dad was over the moon and the game became our favourite pastime. We would spend all our spare time out in the garden practising with him,” Gracie said.
Undoubtedly Gracie’s dad would be hugely proud of Gracie and Daisy’s achievements to date. Both girls are involved in the Northern Ireland U19s training squad as well as being part of the same club team.
Their club, Lisburn Rangers, were promoted to the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership in season 23/24 and Gracie was recognised with a ‘Sports Direct Women’s Player of the Month’ award (above) for April-May 2024.
“It was an amazing moment and I know my dad would have been thrilled and I’m sure he was looking down on me with great pride,” Gracie added.
“Indeed, my whole family are my biggest supporters and throughout my younger days, my dad would have followed me all over the country and back again, cheering me on. I am very blessed to have a wonderful and supportive family and know that when I look out to the stands, I will always find my mum, auntie Miriam, sisters and cousins supporting me.”
Gracie has represented Northern Ireland at Under-15 and Under-17 levels in international competitions including the U17 Euros. She is currently part of the U19 squad set up taking part in training sessions and playing friendlies as the NI team builds up for the next Euros.
Looking to the future Gracie says: “I’m passionate about playing football for my country and will continue to work hard to develop and achieve my key goal of representing Northern Ireland at Senior Women’s Level.
“I would love to play club football for a Women’s Super League Team over in England and challenge myself against some of the world’s best players.
“Ultimately, I would like a career in sport. I’m studying A-Level Double Award PE and Business Studies at Parkhall Integrated College in Antrim and have been researching courses in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation.
“All my family have supported me not only on the pitch, but also financially and have given up their time to take me to training and matches, before I was able to drive myself. I’m extremely grateful to them.
“Being a Mary Peters Trust supported athlete has allowed me to facilitate my training and development journey much more independently and has given me the opportunity to take responsibility for my own needs whilst progressing as an athlete.
“I’m inspired by the commitment and dedication that Lady Mary Peters shows in her support for local athletes. She inspires me to work hard to achieve my goals and her story highlights to me the importance of determination and commitment to help realise my own dreams.”
Playing for Northern Ireland against France
…and another award
