Trials open: Scorer launches summer recruitment drive

The doors at Blackhouse Lane are open. New first-team manager Cameron Scorer has officially launched Cornard United's summer recruitment drive and is inviting players from across the region to come and stake a claim for a place in his first Ards squad. With pre-season just around the corner and a Premier Division campaign to prepare for, the new boss is wasting no time in getting to work. After arriving from Halstead Town Under-23s earlier this summer, Scorer made clear that recruitment would be the immediate priority — and the message to prospective signings is simple: if you want to play for Cornard, we want to hear from you. A rebuild from the ground up Following last season's nervy battle for survival, the club is undertaking a top-to-bottom rebuild. A new chairman, a new manager, a new coaching team and, soon, a new squad — the Ards of 2026/27 will look very different to the side that ended the previous campaign. Scorer is keen to hear from talented Step 5 and Step 6 players, as well as ambitious younger players ready to test themselves at Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division level. Every position is up for grabs, with goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards all under consideration. What the manager is looking for 'We want players who want to play for Cornard,' Scorer said when he was unveiled. 'There's a real opportunity here for the right characters — people who buy into what we're trying to build and who are ready to put the work in.' 'We're not going to have the biggest budget, so attitude and commitment matter as much as ability. If you've got both, you'll get a fair shot.' The manager is expected to run a series of trial sessions and pre-season friendlies in the coming weeks, with the squad gradually taking shape ahead of the new season. A handful of names — including striker Josh Ricca and coach Callum Hall — have already followed Scorer over from Halstead. How to get involved Trial dates and pre-season fixtures will be confirmed shortly and shared across the club's website and social channels. Interested players, or anyone who would like to recommend a player, should get in touch via the Contact page. This is a chance to be part of something from day one. Help us shape the next chapter at Blackhouse Lane. #ARDS