Annual Lisbon Lions Trophy set for conclusion at Lennoxtown | OneFootball

Fifty-seven years ago, under the heat of the Lisbon sun, Celtic achieved Scottish football’s greatest moment by winning the ultimate prize in European football – the European Cup.

Once again, to commemorate this famous victory in 1967, Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce the 2024 Lisbon Lions Trophy schools' football tournament, honouring Scotland’s greatest ever team.

Over 300 pupils from 18 schools across Glasgow and the West participate in the Lisbon Lions Trophy, organised by Celtic Football Club in collaboration with the Glasgow Schools’ Football Association.

The tournament took place at the Toryglen Football Centre, with four schools now advancing to the finals at Celtic’s Lennoxtown Training Complex this Wednesday, June 5.

The Lisbon Lions' achievement of winning the European Cup with a team composed entirely of home-grown, local players - all born within a 30-mile radius of Celtic Park - has never been repeated in European football. These local lads, no different from the school teams found in today’s tournament, grew up playing schools football.

The importance of schools football is underscored by the fact that legendary captain Billy McNeill played in the Scottish Schools Shield final at Hampden while his future manager, Jock Stein, watched from the stands.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers spoke on the enduring significance of the Lisbon Lions to the club and said: “The Lisbon Lions set a level of excellence that we all strive towards, and their European Cup triumph is not only a pivotal part of Celtic’s history but also a monumental moment in football.

"This tournament is a fantastic way to honour their legacy and inspire young players to dream big and work hard.”

The tournament, which features schools that have performed well over the Under-14s season, also invites the former schools of the Lisbon Lions to participate.

Hyndland Secondary, St Ninian’s High School, Kirkintilloch, St Matthews from Saltcoats and Bannerman High School have all progressed to this week’s final stages.

Louise Edgerton, Head Teacher at Hyndland Secondary: "We are delighted to see our young students reach the finals at Lennoxtown for a second time. Our school motto, Spero Meliora, translates to 'I hope for better things' or the modern version, 'the best version of yourself.'

"The Lisbon Lions were local Glasgow boys who encapsulated both messages and remain an inspiration to young people across Glasgow and beyond."

John Clark, a Lanarkshire Bhoy and Lisbon Lion, emphasised the importance of schools football.

"Schools football played a vital role in our development and was crucial in shaping our future careers as players," the Celtic legend said.

"The Glasgow Schools Football Association deserves great credit for their hard work in organising this tournament for the next generation of Scottish footballers."

Paul Downie, Lisbon Lions Convenor for the Glasgow Schools Football Association, added: "Football has been integral to our culture for generations, with the Lisbon Lions exemplifying the heights young people from Glasgow can reach.

"We are grateful to Celtic Football Club for their ongoing support to celebrate the Lisbon Lions legacy, reflecting the ambition for success we strive to instil in our young people both on and off the pitch."

Celtic will provide a further update on tomorrow’s event.