Kids in Celtic and Rangers jerseys have played together since they were four... They don’t care and that carries all the way through to the adults

said: “My job is fairly stressful and in terms of going out on Tuesday and Thursday nights, for your mental health, it helps you relieve stress.

“There’s nothing better than getting out on the pitch with the kids and putting it all behind you and seeing the kids develop.

“There is a huge amount of personal satisfaction in that.

“There was an occasion when one of the kids didn’t do as well as they hoped in the 11-plus.

“I got a text from their parents saying it [ football] was the only thing keeping them going as a result of getting the bad news.

“The club helped them focus on feeling worthwhile as opposed to feeling worthless as a result. That’s the impact the club has.”

The tight community spirit that binds the academy together was evident for everyone to see with the tragic death of Crumlin stalwart John Stewart earlier this month. he popular club supporter, 67, was a major force in fundraising and playing Santa for the young footballers.

Sean added: “The kids of all ages did a guard of honour for him and it was special for the family. John looked like

TSanta. He did Santa every year because he didn’t even have to put on a false beard. The kids all loved him.” Unfortunately the club lives a hand-to-mouth existence which depends on local sponsorship of kits and equipment. Sean said: “The kids get hand-medowns from the previous team. All the parents take turns in washing the kit but it’s getting the numbers put back on them that’s the problem. They can get a bit tatty.

“We need to help them with their kits, pay for pitch fees and training equipment.

“If we won the Lidl award it would help us in terms of getting new kit. We want the kids to be proud to play for the club, to be proud to play for Crumlin. It would mean a hell of a lot.”