Two sports students from South West College’ Erne Campus in Enniskillen are taking the next steps in their football careers having been earmarked for future success.

Aimee Neal is currently completing the Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise and has signed a professional contract with Glentoran FC’s Women’s team while Dylan Boyle studying a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science student is making his debut in the Northern Ireland Football League with Ballinamallard United FC having played with the clubs’ youth teams over the past few seasons.

Reflecting on her contract with Glentoran FC, Aimee said;

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Glentoran FC and playing alongside some of the most talented players in women’s football in Northern Ireland. Football has always been a passion for me and to be able to play professional football while completing my studies at South West College is a dream come true.”

Discussing his future with Ballinamallard United FC, Dylan added:

“So many talented players have started their playing careers with the Ballinamallard United FC and I am really excited to get playing in the NIFL and hopefully have my name added to the list of the club’s most successful players. It is a great opportunity to put what I am learning here at South West College into practice and get experience in the game at one of the highest levels in the country.”

Celebrating Aimee and Dylan’s success, Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at South West College said;

"Aimee and Dylan are very fine ambassadors not only for the sports provision here at South West College but for the wider college community. Playing sport at professional or championship level requires an unshakeable dedication and determination and to balance that with their course commitments demonstrates the strength of their characters.

I know that Aimee and Dylan will be assets to their teams, Glentoran FC and Ballinamallard United FC and along with their tutors here at South West College I look forward to seeing their playing careers develop and hope that they will continue to serve as advocates for the college in the years to come.”

For further information about Sport and Exercise course available at South West College visit https://swc.ac.uk/subject-area/sport-exercise