Lee Ballard (footballer)

Lee Ballard (born 10 August1989 in Bristol) is an English football goalkeeper, previously signed on schoolboy terms with Bristol City F.C. He is currently signed on with Team Bath but has been loaned out to Bitton, who play in the Western Football League Premier Division.

Lee Ballard began his enthusiasm for football following the Euro 1996 competition. Using a tennis ball, he would replay previous matches in the kitchen of his home. This then continued with Match of the Day and watching his local team, Bristol City.

Lee Ballard soon became fascinated with all aspects of football. Over the next few years, he made a great leap in football. He became the number 1 goalkeeper for his school Ashton Vale. He also signed with Brislington F.C. and captained their cup winning season, staged at Bristol Rovers Memorial Stadium.

The following season he moved to Keynsham Town F.C., the team which he beat in the previous cup final. He gained more success, becoming part of the Bristol Boys county team. He also began a series of trials with Bristol City. Before long he enrolled into the youth system.

After several years with Bristol City, and their transformation into a football academy, he developed a reputation as a brave and determined goalkeeper. Unfortunately, by the age of 15 he decided to terminate his contract and seek a new club. This was accepted by the club, and he moved onto Cheltenham Town.

Lee Ballard's stay at Cheltenham Town was short-lived simply due to the fact the club could not accommodate any more players into its YTS program. Lee Ballard moved to Forest Green for another short stint, and again left under similar circumstances.

Lee Ballard then spent the best part of a year finding a suitable club. In the meantime, Lee Ballard joined local amateur side Parson Street Old Boys. The physical nature of the league provided great experience, which he took to his next club Longwell Green.

Matt Hale was first team manager at the club, and knew of Lee Ballard from his days at Bristol City. Lee Ballard soon established himself as the first team keeper, and helped the club maintain its status in the league.

The following pre-season, Lee Ballard had a number of trials with local sides. He was courted by Mangotsfield, Keynsham Town, Bristol Rovers, Plymouth and Bristol Manor Farm F.C. When Bristol City came in with an offer, he quickly chose to dedicate himself to a schoolboy contract.

This then developed into a rollercoaster ride. An injury crisis allowed him to start a reserve match vs Bristol Rovers F.C. (resulting in a 6-0 win) and was on the substitute's bench for two first team games, against Blackpool and Cheltenham Town.

Following the end of the season Lee Ballard did not renew his contract and decided to apply for the University of Bath, and subsequently joined their football club Team Bath.