Funeral director signs on as Glentoran Academy partner
It has produced graduates who have progressed to the club’s first team and into full-time programmes in Britain
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Stephen McCosh Funeral Director has agreed a partnership with Glentoran Academy for the 2025/26 season, becoming an official supporter of the club’s youth structure.
The East Belfast–based firm will provide backing across all age groups from Under-6 to Under-19. The arrangement aligns with the academy’s wider investment in coaching, technology and player development.
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The academy, founded in 2008, is Glentoran’s high-performance pathway for young players. It has produced graduates who have progressed to the club’s first team and into full-time programmes in Britain. Recent moves include Joel Kerr to West Ham United, Rhys Walsh to Sunderland, George Feeney to Tottenham Hotspur, Conor Haughey to Fleetwood Town, Mason Munn to Rangers and Francis Turley to Celtic.
Michael Jackson, academy manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen McCosh Funeral Director into the Glentoran Academy. Their support will have a genuinely meaningful impact across every age group and will strengthen the work we are doing to develop young players within a professional, high-performance environment.
“The Academy has made significant progress in recent years, driven by higher coaching standards and continued investment in technology, analysis and strength and conditioning. Partnerships like this are vital in enabling us to sustain that momentum.”
Stephen McCosh Funeral Director is an independent, family-owned business with locations in East Belfast, the Shankill Road and Newtownabbey. Founded in 2014, it provides funeral services and support for families.
Founder and managing director, Stephen McCosh, added: “It is a privilege to support Glentoran Academy, a programme that plays such an important role in shaping young people across East Belfast. When I met Jacko and heard first-hand about the incredible work taking place across every age group, it was clear how much dedication and professionalism goes into the development of these young players.
“Our decision to partner with the Academy reflects our commitment to the communities we serve and our desire to support initiatives that promote development, wellbeing and opportunity for young people.”
