A GRASSROOTS football club based in Glasgow’s Southside has won this year’s Scottish Youth Cup.

Hillwood Football Club, formed in 1966 by William Smith in Pollok, has a long history of supporting grassroots football and the local community.

Over the years, the team produced some of Scotland’s best players, including former Rangers and Scotland manager Alex McLeish, as well as Kenny Burns, Owen Coyle, Ross McCormack and Peter MacDonald.

Hillwood beat Prestwick’s Glenburn Miners Club 4-1 in Airdrie, on May 8.

For coach Bryan Smith, William’s nephew, this has been the season of his life.

“What a tournament, it was excellent,” he said.

“Because I won it as a player, I always wanted to do it as a coach.

“That just made it extra special.”

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A former member of the team, Bryan played football at junior level, before starting coaching with his brother David around eight years ago.

“It was always the dream,” he added.

“I always said to my uncle William, ‘I am going to bring the cup back to the club’.

“I don’t think he believed me but dreams come true.”

The coach dedicated the victory to his players, whom he believes will “reach the pinnacle of Scottish football”.

“The boys have done it as well, so it’s been a collective effort,” he said.

“They have obviously shown they’ll reach the pinnacle of Scottish football.

“Most of them are ready, it’s just a bit of luck to get these boys into professional football next season.

“I can’t thank this group of players enough for their efforts. Every player has been exceptional.”