Knightswood U18s complete season with a dominant double

Knightswood’s U18 side signed off their season with a double of trophies as they said goodbye to youth football. They now prepare for life in the West of Scotland system, following approval for the required license to play in these divisions.

The Glaswegian side wrapped up the Glasgow and District Youth Football League in convincing fashion, and their hunger for further success led them to victory in the Glasgow League Cup Final over Glasgow Athletic, just four days after being crowned champions.

It could have been a quadruple for Knightswood, with the side making it to the quarterfinals of the West and Scottish Cup, but a number of injuries before and during these matches proved to be costly. Instead of letting this derail them though, Knightswood used these defeats as a source of motivation that spurred them on to future glory.

The mentality applied by the Knightswood side has been regarded as a major factor behind their success, as they did not allow complacency to become an issue or get carried away as they began this season expectant to be one of the front runners for the title and dually met expectations.

The team’s mentality was praised by Head Coach Scott Sweeney in an exclusive interview with YFS, as he passed the plaudits onto his players who remarkably dropped points in only one game in the league, coincidentally against the same side they defeated in their cup final, Glasgow Athletic.

Speaking to YFS, Sweeney spoke about the future of Knightswood and their players as they shape up for life in the West of Scotland divisions.

‘’This was a great way for us to finish our run in youth football as the club have been accepted into the WOSFL setup, where we will see the majority of our squad play next season, giving them a platform to reach senior football. This is something that our club directors Gary and Angela Soave have worked extremely hard on, and we are all very thankful for it.

‘’As stated before, these players will move into either our new WoS 1st Team or our U20s development squad. Steven [Marsland, manager], Gary [Soave, assistant] and Thomas [Scarff, coach] will step up to run the first team, showing a great pathway for not only our players but also our coaches.’’

Sweeney departs Knightswood at the end of this season following five years at the club, as he aims to progress his coaching career with the academy at Celtic F.C. Sweeney believes that Knightswood are “going in the right direction and will only expand” as he expressed his gratitude.

He said: “I am delighted with the way it ended, my five-year stay at the club and I could not have asked to share it with a better group of people. I am glad to have been part of it and wish Knightswood and all those involved the best of luck. I thank them for what they have done for me. ‘Mon the Wood!”

Everyone at YFS would like to congratulate Knightswood on their triumphant success in their bow-out season of youth football and would like to extend our best wishes to both Knightswood and Scott Sweeney as they embark on new adventures.