Team revels in open-top bus parade

A DUNDEE boys football team has followed in the footsteps of Manchester City and Liverpool with an open-top bus parade.

Fresh from a treble-winning season, the Dundee West 2008 Royals showed off their silverware around the streets of the city.

The youngsters won the Dundee West Anniversary Cup, their DS Rennie League before lifting the Scottish Youth FA Cup in dramatic fashion in May.

Just like the English giants, the boys’ team were cheered through the streets of the Strathmartine area.

The procession left Baldragon Academy at 6.10pm yesterday before stopping past local sponsors, finishing back at the school an hour later.

Alison Valentine, whose son Mark plays for the team, thought up the idea and thanked bus firm McGill’s for providing one of their new open-top vehicles.

She said it was also a chance to thank the local community for their support.

“Peter Carmichael, whose company Carmichael and Baxter Groundworks is one of the team sponsors, knew a contact at McGill’s,” she told the Tele.

“We emailed and they were very accommodating and worked with us to let it all happen. It was a short turnaround to get it going.

“It’s an amazing experience for the boys to go around the local area, saying thanks to people and kids who have supported them.”

The Scottish Youth Cup win was the first time a Dundee West boys’ team have won the trophy in the club’s history.

Alison believes the parade is just reward for the side’s achievements this season.

“I don’t think the boys will realise how big this is,” she added. “It’s an amazing achievement.

“There are not many teams that get through and win it. You have to embrace what they’ve done and celebrate it as