TANIA Ballinger has gone down in the Droitwich Spa Ladies record books after becoming only the third player to notch up a century of appearances.
Following in the footsteps of Beth Roberts and Lindsey Jones, Ballinger made her 100th appearance for the club in the Belles’ (the Ladies’ second team) 1-0 victory over Welland Ladies a fortnight ago in their Midwest Counties League opener.
Ballinger was one of the nine original players, along with chairman Ian Fry, who founded the club in 2011.
As well as being a member of the Ladies squad which won the Midwest Counties League in 2014, Ballinger has played for the Belles the last two seasons and acted as manager in their first season in 2014.
She has also served on the club’s committee since its inception.
Fry, who also manages the Ladies team who compete in Division One (South) of the West Midlands Regional League, was full of praise for Ballinger and her contribution to the club.
He said: “Tania has been an amazing servant to our club, both on and off the pitch. She has always been utterly committed to everything we have done over the last five years.
“Her 100 appearances are testament to her attitude to match days, but what Tania has given is so much more than that.
“She has been a constant support to me, she has always been a great support to all our other players and she took the huge decision to take on the management of the Belles team in their first season.
“Although it was not without its problems, she was steadfast in her willingness to do her best for the team and our club.
“I am delighted that we have been able to acknowledge everything that Tania has done for Droitwich Spa Ladies and celebrate her 100th appearance.”
