Glentoran stars inspire Strandtown pupils ahead of BetMcLean Cup Final
Glentoran first-team players James Douglas and MJ Kamson-Kamara paid a special visit to Strandtown Primary School this week as excitement continues to build ahead of the BetMcLean Cup Final.
More than 100 P7 pupils gathered to meet the players, who spoke about their journeys into professional football, the dedication required to reach the top level and what it means to prepare for one of the biggest matches of the season.
The pupils also had the chance to see and hold the BetMcLean Cup trophy, which was kindly brought along by the Northern Ireland Football League, adding to the excitement ahead of the showpiece final.
During the visit, Douglas and Kamson-Kamara took part in an question and answer session, with pupils keen to learn more about life as a professional footballer, how players prepare for big matches and what it would mean to lift the trophy.
The afternoon finished with photographs, autographs and plenty of smiles, giving the young supporters a memorable experience just days before Glentoran take to the pitch in the final.
Richard Ewart, Head of Year 7 at Strandtown Primary School, said: “Welcoming James and MJ to Strandtown Primary School was a fantastic experience for our pupils. We have a strong connection with Glentoran and there are a lot of young Glens supporters among our pupils, so it was very special for them to meet two first-team players ahead of such a big game for the club.
“Hearing the players speak about their journeys in football, the hard work that goes into becoming a professional and what it means to prepare for a Cup Final was incredibly inspiring for the children.
“We are also very grateful to the Northern Ireland Football League for bringing the BetMcLean Cup trophy along. That really added to the occasion and created a huge buzz around the school. For the pupils to see the trophy up close, hold it and take photographs is something they will remember for a long time.”
MJ Kamson-Kamara added: “It was a brilliant afternoon. The pupils asked some great questions and you could see how excited they were to meet the players and hear a bit about our journeys in football.
“Coming from England, it’s been really special for me to see just how much Glentoran means to people in the local area. You can tell there are a lot of proud Glens supporters here and it’s great to feel that connection with the younger fans.
“As players we’re proud to represent the club and it’s important for us to spend time with supporters whenever we can. Seeing the reaction when the BetMcLean Cup trophy came out was brilliant and it definitely added to the excitement ahead of the final.”
