In glorious sunshine, the players marched onto the park, one by one to collect their Under 17 Youth Division Championship medals from SFL President Jim Ballantyne before being handed the silverware and hoisted aloft to rapturous applause from the Ayr United supporters.
It was a truly momentous moment for the young players, most of whom are still only 16 years of age and looking to have a long and prosperous career ahead of them.
In sights and sounds not often heard at Somerset, the players were overwhelmed by the support and reaction from the fans, who themselves are not used to belting out ‘Champions’ to the players on the park.
The Football Academy players have been warmly recognised this season by the Ayr United supporters, perhaps due to the emergence of Jonathan Tiffoney and Ross Robertson into the team but if this 17′s side is anything to go by, the future looks bright for the Academy and Ayr United.
Marc Roseblade
Ayr United Football Academy