The Rangers Academy and youth set-up has seen a lot of press recently, and not without good reason.
The likes of Ross McCrorie (20) and Glenn Middleton (19) are now regular first teamers at Ibrox. Academy youngsters Stephen Kelly, Serge Atakayi and Jordan Houston have also made their first team breakthroughs this season.
But more recently, our U17s just delighted fans by becoming the first British side to win the ALKASS Cup in Qatar. It was also a Rangers player who was named Player of the Tournament. And it’s not the one fans have been talking about recently.
Kai Kennedy was named player of the tournament after the final whistle against AS Roma. Fittingly, the Rangers youth winger also scored the winning penalty as the Gers edged the Italians 9-8 in a thrilling penalty shootout.
The match had ended 1-1 with both teams being reduced to ten men.
Great achievement for the team but also the player
It’s a fitting reward for the young side’s efforts, and testament to young Kennedy’s ability that he pipped players from the academies of Roma, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to the accolade.
The former Chelsea and Crystal Palace Academy striker had fans excited by
It’s clear the entire Rangers U17s side did.
But it was Kai Kennedy who stood out to the event organisers.
Well done to youth coach David McCallum and everyone at the Rangers Academy for their great work with the Young Bears. And congratulations to the U17s for taking the trophy home to Ibrox.