Champion feeling for Wee Reds

Cliftonville Strollers were formally crowned Champions at Solitude this evening.

Presented with the Under-18 Academy League trophy in the aftermath of tonight’s home League game with Glentoran Colts, the Wee Reds clinched the title with a 2-1 victory over Dungannon Swifts last week.

Bossed by senior player Conor Pepper and former Cliftonville midfielder Daniel Kearns, it is testament to the pathway that exists between the Club’s Academy and Jim Magilton’s first team that five regulars in the Strollers XI – Oisin Murray, Paul Stanfield, Shea McGarry, Alfie Anderson and Eamonn Tohill – have all featured in Sports Direct Premiership matchday squads this term, while young David Green was involved in the team’s pre-season preparations last summer.

All six can now join their team-mates in looking forward to competing in next season’s UEFA Youth League as a reward for their achievement and they will do so with the congratulations of everyone at Cliftonville FC, who also acknowledge the extensive role the players’ coaches and families have played in helping them realise this significant feat.