The announcement was made during a celebratory lunch at the Galgorm Manor, Ballymena, hosted by Stephen Bloomfield, Regional General Manager, and John Henning, Head of Agriculture, Northern Bank.
YFCU European Rally 2009 team members Janette Stirling (Glarryford YFC), Frances George (Moneyrea YFC), James Gilpin (Moneyrea YFC) and Gary Thompson (Kilraughts YFC) attended the lunch, along with YFCU President and team leader Thoburn McCaughey and Ulster Young Farmer of the year Simon Connell (Dungiven YFC). Northern Bank Agribusiness Managers Ian Craig and George Templeton were also in attendance.
During lunch, Stephen Bloomfield congratulated the YFCU members who were successful in getting onto the YFCU European Rally team that will travel to Estonia to the Rural Youth European Rally on 1st August 2009.
"Northern Bank is pleased to confirm our continued support of the YFCU and especially our involvement with the annual European Rally," he said.
"The European Rally gives young people the opportunity to travel and learn about the various techniques and issues affecting farming and rural communities in Europe. I hope that this year's team enjoy their experience and I am looking forward to hearing their reports."
He also congratulated Simon Connell on being named the YFCU Ulster Young Farmer of the Year. Sponsored by Northern Bank, the 'Ulster Young Farmer of the Year' competition is one of the most prestigious competitions in the association's calendar and attracts over 400 entries each year.
John Henning, Head of Agriculture, Northern Bank commented: "Northern Bank is proud to be associated with the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster and the valued role it plays in the rural life of Northern Ireland.
"Our support for the YFCU through sponsorship of the European Rally, Ulster Young Farmer and Tag Rugby competitions helps to promote educational, agricultural and sporting skills among members of the Association – skills that are invaluable to young people living in rural communities," he added.
YFCU President Thoburn McCaughey thanked Northern Bank for their continued support of the association's participation in the European Rally allowing a team to attend this year's event in Estonia. He highlighted the fact that Northern Bank sponsors a number of key YFCU events and that on top of the financial support, their members of staff come along and help out which is an indication of the valuable relationship between YFCU members and Northern Bank.
The YFCU would like to extend thanks to the Northern Bank, and particularly John Henning, for the lunch and the bank's ongoing support of the association.