A Dundee boys football team has followed in the footsteps of Manchester City and Liverpool with an open-top bus parade.
Fresh from a treble-winning season the Dundee West 2008 Royals showed off their silverware around the streets of the city.
The youngsters won the Dundee West Anniversary Cup, their D.S. Rennie League before lifting the Scottish Youth FA Cup after a dramatic 3-2 win over Stenhousemuir in May.
Bus parade through city
Just like the English giants, the boys’ team were cheered through the streets of the Strathmartine area.
The procession left Baldragon Academy at 6.10pm on Thursday before stopping past local sponsors, finishing back at the school an hour later.
Alison Valentine, whose son Mark plays for the team, thought up the idea and thanked bus firm McGill’s for providing one of their new open-top vehicles.
She said it was also a chance to thank the local community for their support.
“Peter Carmichael’s company is one of the team sponsors and he knew a contact at McGill’s,” she told Courier Sport.
“We emailed and they were very accommodating and worked with us to let it all happen. It was a short turnaround to get it going.
“It’s an amazing experience for the boys to go around the local area, saying thanks to people and kids who have supported them.”
‘Boys don’t realise how big this is’
The Scottish Youth Cup win was the first time a Dundee West boys’ team have won the trophy in the club’s history.
Alison believes the parade is just-reward for the side’s achievements this season, which is made even more poignant for the youngsters who have grown up playing together.
“I don’t think the boys will realise how big this is,” she added. “It’s an amazing achievement.
“There are not many teams that get through and win it. You have to embrace what they’ve done and celebrate it as much as we can. We’re really grateful to McGill’s for agreeing to it.
“They know each other so well. We’ve got pictures of them from wee tots until now.
“It’s nice to have seen that group of people and parents grow together over time.”
Crowds of people packed out at stops along the route, including the Anchor Bar, the NiIne Maidens and sponsors Croppers hairdressers on Strathmartine Road.
Other sponsors Carmichael & Baxter, Dreelside Engineering and Sandy Mackie Roofing turned out to show their support.
‘Once in a lifetime’
Keiran Luke, 13, scored one of the goals in the side’s Scottish Cup win. He was delighted with the turn out on the streets.
“It was a big shock seeing all the crowds of people,” he said. “It’s a very good feeling.
“To see all those people who came out just to see us made me feel special.
“I could not believe I scored. I was so happy but I was also happy for my team because we were just getting back in to things. It’s good to know we had a strong mindset for the rest of the game.
“It’s not something that will happen a lot, especially lifting the Scottish Cup. That’s something you get once in a lifetime.”
Dundee West boys team ‘create history’ with dramatic Scottish Youth FA Cup win
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