Stroll of honour

Congratulations to Cliftonville Strollers, who have this evening been crowned Academy League Under-18 Champions.

Tonight’s 1-0 victory over Coleraine Under-18s at Solitude was, incredibly, the team’s 24th win from 24 League games so far this term and saw them land the title with six matches still to play.

In addition to their well-earned celebrations, the players have also made history by becoming the first ever Strollers team to qualify for Europe.

An imminent reformatting of the prestigious UEFA Youth League means the Wee Reds can look forward to rubbing shoulders with some of the best Academy sides from across the continent this summer – a fitting landmark reward for their magnificent endeavours over the course of a challenging season.

Huge congratulations are extended to the players as well as Marc Smyth, Declan O’Hara, Kris Watson and the rest of the coaching staff on their wonderful achievement.