New Academy strategy unveiled

Cliftonville FC are delighted to announce our new youth development strategy, which will build on the ongoing success of our Club’s Academy.

Next season will see the Football Development Centre move to a full-time training schedule for players born between 2009 and 2012, playing in our NIFL Under-16s, Under-15s, Under-14s and Under-13s elite teams.

The process towards the new structure will begin next month with a new Strength & Conditioning coach who will work in the Academy under the guidance of first team and international fitness coach Ricky McCann.

Experienced coach Liam McStravick will take on the role of Elite Performance Coach for season 2024/25 to oversee our Under-13s to Under-18s. As part of the Cliftonville curriculum, Liam will be responsible for one pitch-based session per week with dual banded age groups working on specific themes for player development and exposing players to more contact time.

As part of our new youth development strategy, players will train a minimum of four times a week and be put on a Strength & Conditioning programme along with a nutrition schedule.

Cliftonville FC has one of the strongest academies in the country on the pitch and consistently develops players for our first team and transfers abroad. This new strategy offers our players expert training and conditioning from Under-13 and will make for a smooth transition into our full-time academy from the age of 16, which we are investing in heavily for season 2024/25.

In the last year, we have seen the likes of Sean Moore, Shea Kearney, Jack Berry, Odhran Casey and others move into our first team panel and this new strategy from Under-13 level will help us develop more players to follow in their footsteps.