Strolling into Europe

Cliftonville Strollers will face BFC Daugavpils in the first round of the UEFA Youth League.

The Wee Reds are heading to Europe for the very first time and this morning’s draw in Nyon handed Marc Smyth’s side an historic showdown with Latvian opposition in ties scheduled to take place on September 18 and October 2.

Though full details of both fixtures are yet to be confirmed, it’s worth noting that Daugavpils’ senior side play their home games at Celtnieks Stadium – the venue for Cliftonville’s maiden European victory over FC Dinaburg back in 2007, when Strollers coach Declan O’Hara played a starring role.

The winners of the tie will, meanwhile, progress to take on Sassuolo of Italy in the second round, with one of Real Betis (Spain)/ Kairat (Kazakhstan)/ Academia Rebeja Chisinau (Moldova) awaiting the victors in phase three.

With two wins from two to begin the defence of their Academy League Under-18 title, the Reds are next in action this Friday night when they take on Glenavon Under-18s at Lurgan Junior High School.