‘REDS’ ENJOY PRIZE NIGHT

The venue was full to capacity to see their young players receive acknowledgement of yet another successful season in the club’s 12th season in competitive football.

In the absence of their club chairman who was on holiday, club secretary Billy O’Flaherty MBE welcomed all to the event which was for the first time at the Showgrounds facility.

Following the players’ presentations - which were handed over by Milk Cup stalwart and friend of the club Willie Hunter - special awards were made to the following for services to the club.

Junior Team of Year (Stewart McAuley award): Under-10s - League Champions, competing in Holland, invited to Glasgow Rangers and to compete in Foyle Cup.

Senior Team of Year (Bob Mullan award): Under-14s - Top Four National League, Scotland Cup Finalists, 1/4 final NIBFA Cup, invited to Ipswich Town.

Special award: Johnny Boyd.

Personality of Year: Dessie Lemon.

Clubman of Year: Jason Hunter.

IFA McDonald’s-sponsored Young Volunteer of Year award for Northern Ireland: Simon Boyd.

The club secretary spoke about the dependency of volunteers in Northern Ireland within many organisations in particular youth groups and hoped that parents appreciated the ‘free’ time given by the clubs coaches 365 days a year who take time to not only run particular teams but at weekends taking courses which are becoming a pre-requisite of youth football.

The secretary also spoke of the difficulties faced with the current financial climate and asked all parents to support the clubs planned programmes if they are to continue to expand.

In closing the club official wished all a pleasant summer and looked forward to seeing many in the new season.