Lagan Swifts FC

07/09/2026

⚽ | VISION ATHLETIC 8–4 LAGAN SWIFTS

A nightmare first half for the Firsts as they struggled to get to grips with Vision Athletic and found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening 10 minutes, before eventually going into the break 6-3 down.

Despite the three goals, it was a first half to forget and a real wake-up call to the challenges that lie ahead this season.

The second half was a bit tighter, but all-in-all it was not a great day at the office for the lads. Fair play to Andy, Monty (x2) and Michael for some tidy finishes, but ultimately they were little more than consolation on the day.

There’s plenty to work on in training, and we need everyone there and ready to put the work in.

Next week sees an early start to Billy Allen action as we welcome Comber Rec III to Moat Park. Comber started their Premier Division campaign with a narrow defeat to Willowfield, so another tough test awaits.

Lots to learn. Lots to improve.

⚽️ | LAGAN SWIFTS II 6–3 ARDS RANGERS SWIFTS

What a start for the Seconds! 🔥

The lads got off to an absolute flyer, racing into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes thanks to Darren Spence (x2) and John Hanna, who got himself off the mark for the Swifts.

Darren looks to be a real shrewd signing already, and his experience and quality will be a huge asset to the squad this season.

Despite seemingly cruising at 3-0, a crazy ten-minute spell allowed Ards Rangers Swifts back into the game with two goals in just seven minutes.

The lads could have let that setback derail them, but instead they composed themselves and took control of the second half.

Phil added another before John Hanna completed his hat-trick, taking him to an incredible five hat-tricks in just 30 appearances for the Swifts. 👏🔥

A fantastic result and a brilliant way to begin the Seconds’ campaign as they look to establish themselves in Reserve Division 1.

A new division, a new challenge and a great start.

🖤🤍💙 🩵🤍🖤

05/09/2026

MATCHDAY | A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

🖤🤍 VISION ATHLETIC v LAGAN SWIFTS🤍🖤
📍 Blanchflower
⏰ 2:00pm

After five long seasons in Division 2 and the past two campaigns in Division 1, the moment has finally arrived.

Today, Lagan Swifts begin their first ever season in the Premier Division of the DAWFL.

It’s a huge milestone for the club and one that has been a long time coming. From those early years trying to establish ourselves, through the push up the divisions and last season’s progress, the Firsts have earned the right to see just how far they can go.

And there could hardly be a tougher way to start.

We travel to Blanchflower to face Vision Athletic, a side who have been a mainstay of the Premier Division and will provide a serious early test of the level we are now operating at.

The two sides have already met during pre-season, with Vision coming out 3-1 winners. It was a game that showed the challenge in front of us, but also gave the Swifts a taste of what Premier Division football demands. We battled, created opportunities and competed for long spells, but Vision showed their quality when chances came their way.

There’s also a little bit of history to make today.

Despite the two clubs having crossed paths in pre-season, we have never met competitively — largely because Vision have spent their years competing at the very top of the DAWFL while the Swifts have been working their way up through the divisions.

That alone tells you plenty about the challenge ahead.

But this is exactly where we wanted to be.

A new division. New opponents. A new level of competition. And a chance for this group of players to show that Lagan Swifts belong here.

The Firsts finished pre-season strongly with wins over Newtown Forest and Orangefield 2nds, building confidence and momentum ahead of today's opening fixture. Now the friendlies are gone and the points start to matter.

There will be difficult days this season. There will be games where the opposition's experience and quality makes the difference. But there will also be opportunities for the Swifts to cause problems, compete with established Premier Division sides and write another new chapter in the club's history.

Five seasons in Division 2. Two seasons in Division 1.

Today, we finally take our place at the top table.

A massive challenge. A massive occasion.

The Premier Division journey starts here.

As always let's get everyone back to The Parador after for a pint or a soft drink and the obligatory goujons. Thanks also to Rytech, The Laurence Trust, Mint Mortgages & Protection and Alligra Ltd (more on this to come very soon).

💙🤍🖤 MATCHDAY | BACK TO RESERVE DIVISION 1 🖤🤍💙

After two seasons in Reserve Division 2, the Seconds are back where they want to be.

Today marks the start of a new chapter for the Lagan Swifts Seconds, as they begin their first campaign back in Reserve Division 1.

And just like the Firsts, they’ve been handed a serious test on the opening day.

Waiting at Moat Park are Ards Rangers Swifts, a side who know exactly what it takes to compete at this level after topping Reserve Division 2 last season.

There’s no need to remind the Seconds what our visitors are capable of.

We faced Ards Rangers Swifts twice last season and came away on the wrong side of two tight, high-scoring contests — 4-1 and 5-4 defeats.

Those results ultimately proved costly.

Ards went on to finish top of the division, while the Swifts finished third, with our visitors ending the campaign eight points ahead of us.

So there is plenty of history behind today's game, and plenty of reason for the Seconds to see it as an opportunity.

Pre-season has given us plenty of encouragement.

The Seconds have put together a really positive summer, with strong results, plenty of goals and, importantly, a squad that continues to develop and grow. The pre-season tournament victory against some strong opposition was another reminder of the togetherness and quality within this group.

But everyone knows that pre-season is only preparation.

The real work starts today.

Reserve Division 1 will bring a different level of challenge. The games will be competitive, the margins will be smaller and the Seconds will need to show the same energy, togetherness and attacking threat that has been evident over the summer.

There is also plenty to be excited about.

This is a team that has developed significantly over the last couple of seasons. Players have stepped up, new faces have come into the squad and the Seconds have built a real solid spine through the team.

Today is another chance to show what they can do.

And what better way to start than against the team who set the standard in Reserve 2 last season?

💙🤍 LAGAN SWIFTS II v ARDS RANGERS SWIFTS
📍 Moat Park
⏰ 2:00pm

Two teams. Two different journeys.

Both starting again at a higher level.

Let's get the new campaign underway.

03/09/2026

🖤🤍 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 🤍🖤

Following another successful season, Lagan Swifts FC are looking to strengthen both our First and Second Teams ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as we take our place at the highest level of DAWFL.

Whether you've taken a break from football, are looking for a fresh challenge, or simply want to enjoy your football again in a welcoming club environment, we'd love to hear from you.

⚽ First Team – Competed last year at the top end of DAWFL Division 1 and gained promotion after another strong campaign.

⚽ Second Team – Fresh from finishing 3rd in Reserve Division 2 and also achieve promotion as they now look to build on a very exciting season.

What you can expect:
• Competitive Saturday football
• Structured coaching and training
• Fantastic team spirit and social side
• A club that has grown year on year, celebrating its 10th anniversary this past season
• Opportunities for players of different ages and experience levels

If you're interested, or know someone who might be, get in touch using the number on the poster or send the club a message on Facebook.

📱 07543 922799

One Club. One Family.

02/09/2026

🖤🤍💙 NEW KIT. NEW LOOK. SAME SWIFTS.💙🤍🖤

After ten years of yellow and black, our Seconds are heading into the new season with a fresh new look.

For a decade, the yellow and black has become synonymous with the Seconds, but with the club having just celebrated its 10th anniversary year and the team preparing for a new campaign, we felt it was time for a bit of a change.

The new kit brings in a light shade of blue alongside the traditional Swifts black and white, giving the Seconds a completely different look while still keeping plenty of the identity that makes it unmistakably Lagan Swifts.

It’s also a fitting time for a fresh kit given the progress the Seconds have made over the last couple of seasons. What started as a team trying to re-establish itself has developed into a really tight unit, with strong leadership, plenty of new players coming through and, of course, promotion to Reserve Division 1 ahead of the new season on Saturday.

A huge thank you once again to the brilliant team at The Parador for sponsoring the kit and continuing to support Lagan Swifts. Their backing of the club goes well beyond simply putting a logo on a shirt, and we genuinely appreciate everything they do for us. Having their support as we move into our second decade of the club makes it even more special.

The kits were again supplied by Balon Sports UK who were, as always, incredibly easy to work with from start to finish. Communication was excellent, everything was flexible and they helped us get exactly what we were looking for. Thanks to Davy and all the lads, we hope this continues to be an excellent working partnership for the club.

After ten years in yellow and black, we hope you will all agree that the change was worth it. A new chapter for the club, a great look for the Seconds.

And with a new season, a new division and plenty of familiar faces ready to get going, let's see what we can do with these on our backs.



UP THE SWIFTS! 🖤🤍💙

01/09/2026

🖤🤍🩵 ⚽️ MATCH REPORT | SECONDS 2-2 CORRYMEELA II 🩵🤍🖤

The Seconds rounded off their pre-season tournament campaign with a 2-2 draw against Corrymeela II, a result which saw the lads lift the trophy after finishing the tournament with two wins and a draw.

The game started evenly enough, with neither side really taking control, before Corrymeela stunned the Swifts by scoring twice within the space of 30 seconds to leave the lads shell-shocked.

The response, however, was excellent. After Darren checked with the referee, he took advantage of Corrymeela still organising their wall and the new man in midfield scored a great quick free kick to get us back into the game. Fergal then showed great composure to chip the keeper from outside the box and bring the game level at 2-2.

The Seconds continued to push for an equaliser and John Hanna was unfortunate not to be awarded what looked a stonewall penalty. At the other end, Corrymeela somehow missed an open goal as the game continued to swing from end to end.

Corrymeela were awarded a penalty with virtually the last kick of the game, but their unfortunate taker fired over the bar to ensure the points were shared.

🏆 TROPHY TIME!

Despite the draw, it was a fantastic way to finish a really positive first outing for the Seconds in the new kit. Two wins and a draw in the tournament was enough to see the lads claim the pre-season trophy, with John Hanna gladly lifting the silverware and promising it pride of place at home.

A big thank you to Corrymeela FC and the Belfast City Council for their efforts in organising a competitive and enjoyable tournament throughout the summer.

Three games, plenty of football, a trophy to show for it and plenty to build on as the competitive season approaches.

UP THE SWIFTS! 🖤🤍🩵

29/08/2026

⚽️ MATCH PREVIEW | SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST ⚽️
It’s another busy Saturday for the Swifts as both sides get their final pre-season run-out before the competitive campaigns begin next week.

🖤🤍 SECONDS

Lagan Swifts II 🆚 Corrymeela II
⏰ 12:00pm KO
📍 King George Playing Fields

The Seconds go into their final pre-season tournament game chasing three wins from three.

After an impressive 9-1 victory over Queens Grads IV and last week’s hard-fought 3-2 win over Victoria Athletic II, the lads have shown plenty of character this summer. They’ll be looking to finish the tournament on a high before Reserve Division 1 football gets underway.

🖤🤍 FIRSTS

Lagan Swifts 🆚 Orangefield II
⏰ 2:00pm KO
📍 Moat Park

The Firsts will be looking to build on an excellent 2-1 victory over Newtown Forest last weekend.

That win followed a 1-1 draw with Corrymeela and a 3-1 defeat to Vision Athletic in the opening games of the pre-season tournament. With the competitive campaign now just around the corner, Saturday provides one final opportunity to sharpen things up and head into the DAWFL Premier Division season with confidence.

It’s been a busy summer for both squads, with plenty of new faces, competitive games and opportunities to build.

One final pre-season Saturday. Then it gets serious. 👊

Get along to support the lads if you can!

🖤🤍💛 UP THE SWIFTS! 💛🤍🖤

And a reminder that the club AGM takes place at 6:30pm at The Parador, followed by our Quiz Night at 8pm. All members are encouraged to attend — and we’re still looking for someone to take on the Chairman role, as well as more support from players and members around the club.

25/08/2026

⚽️ SATURDAY'S FULL-TIME RESULTS | PRE-SEASON ⚽️

🖤🤍 FIRSTS
Lagan Swifts 2-1 Newtown Forest

A big win to finish the Firsts' pre-season tournament on a high.

The Swifts started brightly and caused Forest plenty of problems, with chances coming and going before Andy Carter rolled back the years and produced a cracking finish to put us ahead. Forest equalised soon after, but the lads kept pushing and were rewarded when Nathen found the winner.

Another all-action performance from the new forward and a deserved winning goal to ensure we ended the pre-season tournament with 1W 1L 1D. 👏

🖤🤍 SECONDS
Lagan Swifts II 3-1 Donaghadee FC II

The Seconds continued their excellent pre-season run with another victory.

After falling behind to a speculative effort into the top corner, the lads responded well. A clever Truesdale pass put John Hanna through and he made no mistake to level.

Chances continued at both ends, with Phelim eventually getting to the byline and his cross finding Hanna, who stretched to glance it past the keeper and put the Swifts ahead.

The second half was more difficult, but the lads defended well, with Clarke handling everything Donaghadee could throw at him. A sliced clearance eventually fell kindly for Phil, who made sure of the win as the ball found the net.

Another win for the Seconds as they continue to dominate this pre-season. Plenty to build on! 💪

🖤🤍💛

22/08/2026

⚽️ PRE-SEASON MATCHDAY | SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST ⚽️

Another busy Saturday for the Swifts as both sides are back in action.

🖤🤍 FIRSTS
Lagan Swifts 🆚 Newtown Forest
⏰ 2:00pm
📍 Victoria Park

The Firsts round off their pre-season tournament against Newtown Forest, looking to finish with a first win after a 1-1 draw with Corrymeela and a 3-1 defeat to Vision Athletic.

Newtown Forest finished six points ahead of the Swifts last season, with two defeats for Lagan in the process, so this will be another valuable test ahead of the new campaign.

🖤🤍 SECONDS
Lagan Swifts II 🆚 Donaghdee FC
⏰ 2:00pm
📍 Crommelin Park

The Seconds will be looking to maintain their excellent pre-season form after wins over Queens Grads IV and Vision Athletic II.

Donaghadee are newcomers to Reserve Division 2 following their reformation, so this should provide another interesting test as both sides prepare for the season ahead.

A couple of good games to get along to if you can! 🖤🤍💛

📢 REMINDER: Our AGM takes place next Saturday, 29th August at 6:30pm in The Parador, followed by our Quiz Night at 8pm. We're still looking for someone to take on the Chairman role, and we'd really encourage members and players to get involved and support the club wherever they can.

UP THE SWIFTS! 🖤🤍💛

19/08/2026

16/08/2026

⚽️ MATCH RESULTS | SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST ⚽️

A mixed afternoon for the Swifts in the second round of our pre-season tournament, with the Seconds producing another comeback victory while the Firsts struggled at times against a strong Vision Athletic side.

🖤🤍 FIRSTS — 1-3

The Firsts battled hard from the off but struggled to find their composure in a difficult opening half. Vision took a deserved lead when a rash tackle just outside the box presented them with a free-kick, which was expertly placed into the top corner, giving Kirky no chance.

The response after the break was excellent. Weeksy's relentless pressing forced the Vision keeper into an error, with the ball played straight to Nathan around 30 yards out. The lively forward made no mistake, lifting his finish into the roof of the net to level things up.

Unfortunately, the momentum didn't last. An impressive Vision forward got a fortunate toe to a loose ball which slowly found its way into the far corner before their number 12 put the game beyond us late on with a superb finish after a great ball from the right.

Vision look every bit a side capable of challenging near the top of the Premier, so this was another valuable test for the Swifts. Our inaugural season at the highest level of DAWFL is going to be a real challenge, but there were plenty of positives and with a few small improvements we can be competitive week in, week out.

🖤🤍 SECONDS — 3-2

Another comeback. Another victory. Another game where the Seconds refused to give up.

The lads started brightly, with Davey Brown and Cameron linking up well down the left and causing problems, while Davey's long throws and Darren's set pieces were creating opportunities. Unfortunately, nobody was on hand to turn some promising chances into goals.

Vision grew into the game and punished a careless Swifts pass to take the lead. Rather than responding, the lads struggled with their concentration and shape, with Jack in goal making a couple of good saves to keep us in it. Vision eventually doubled their advantage and deserved their lead at the interval.

The changes at half-time made a real difference. A long throw was flicked home by Phil to give the Swifts hope, before Folk burst through to finish brilliantly and level the game.

Then, with time running out, Cameron raced through and calmly beat the keeper to complete another remarkable turnaround.

It wasn't a vintage performance, but it was another determined one — and for the second week running the Seconds have gone right to the wire and turned a defeat into a victory.

Three wins in three weeks for the Seconds. Plenty still to work on, but plenty to be encouraged by.

UP THE SWIFTS! 🖤🤍💛