EVERY MONTH, A YOUNG MARY PETERS TRUST ATHLETE SPELLS OUT HOW THE CHARITY IS AIDING THE PURSUIT OF THEIR SPORTING DREAMS
EIGHTEEN-year-old Ciara McAleer from Donemana joined Derry City Ladies last season (2023/24) and has represented Northern Ireland at U16 and U17 levels competing in tournaments as far away as Israel and Turkey.
Having received funding from the Mary Peters Trust, Ciara says quite simply that Lady Mary is an inspiration: “It’s an honour to be a supported athlete and I appreciate and thank Mary Peters for her fund. Mary is a huge role model with her Olympic and Commonwealth Games medals and the way she encourages and supports young athletes showing us that anything is possible with hard work.”
In terms of football heroes, Ciara names iconic forward Lionel Messi as her football inspiration.
“Messi is great at working as part of a team and of course he has amazing individual skills. He never gives up,” Ciara says.
And reflecting on the 2024 men’s Euros, Ciara’s favourite team was Spain, who were crowned winners in Berlin after defeating England.
Ciara is currently an A-Level student at Holy Cross College in Strabane and hopes to study at Ulster University. Whilst a student, she is working part-time in fast food outlet, McDonalds, and ultimately would love a career in the world of sport or to teach PE.
“I started playing football when I was around six or seven,” Ciara relates. “My brother always encouraged me to go out into the garden and practise with him. Then my dad decided to take me to Sion Swifts training sessions. I was privileged to be part of this team until I was signed by Derry City Ladies.
“I’ve also represented my school, Holy Cross College, and with them won the Northern Ireland Senior Cup in 2022/23 season and in 2023/24 we reached the finals.
“I also play Gaelic for my local club, Clann Na nGael when I am free – but it’s sometimes hard balancing both soccer and Gaelic football. With Clann Na nGael we won the league and championship for Minors Grade 4 at the end of June (2024).”
Ciara’s top achievements include winning Sion Swifts’ Under 17 Player of the Year award in 2023 and winning the Foyle Cup in 2022 and 2023 – having been awarded the captaincy role for one of those years.
“As part of the Foyle Cup I was thrilled to be chosen to play in the Super Cup with an American team called Northeast Rush,” Ciara says.
“I’m so proud to join Derry City and was also honoured to be part of the NI U16 and U17 squads competing in tournaments on the international stage.
“One of the best things about football is that it’s a team sport and we all work and support each other throughout every game and training session. Everyone becomes one big family and tries their best to help one another off and on the pitch.”
And talking about families, Ciara pays tribute to her parents for all their support, adding: “Without my family I wouldn’t be where I am today. From being ‘lifted and laid’ to training five nights a week and being driven down to Belfast – which can take up to two hours – they are committed to helping me be the best I can. My parents have encouraged and motivated me on the nights when I was so tired after school and didn’t feel like training. I’ll be forever grateful.”
When asked where Ciara would like to see herself in sport during the next five or 10 years, she says: “I would love to see myself go as far as I can in football and continue to be committed and work hard.
“In the next decade I would hope to be still playing at a high level – perhaps in the United States. That would be an amazing experience.”
Playing gaelic football for Clann Na nGael
