October 10th 2007 was a special evening for the Valeview Shankill Schoolboys U10B team. That team managed by Donal O'Connor and Michael McNamara had recently completed a fine 2006/2007 season in their division of the DDSL U10B league (Sunday). In a very competitive and tight finish to their league programme the team finished with an excellent runner-up spot.

To mark this achievement a presentation ceremony was held at the new club house and was attended by a very special guest. Much to the delight and surprise of the boys, their friends and parents, none other than the legendary Paul McGrath, star of Manchester United, Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland, came along to personally award each of the players with their medal.

Paul, a true legend in his playing days, spoke to each boy in turn giving encouragement and praise as he handed out each medal and shook hands with each player. It was a special moment for everyone and we hope that the boys can emulate Paul on the soccer playing field in years to come in playing to their very best for themselves, their team and their club.

Although the boys are too young to have seen Paul in action at the height of his playing career, there was little doubt to those in attendance that he looked fit and well enough to be still playing today! The adults in attendance were equally animated and excited as the boys to be in the great man’s presence.

When the medal ceremony was over Donal O’Connor presented Paul with a memento on behalf of the U10B team and Valeview Shankill Schoolboys Football Club and expressed his thanks to Paul for coming along and giving his time to the team and the club. Paul took the opportunity to express his gratitude to everyone and to say how happy he was to be invited along for the evening. He provided encouraging words to the boys and congratulated the team, the management and the club for what they had achieved to date.