Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that Academy graduate Reece Bell has signed his first professional contract with the Club.

The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal, becoming the latest Academy graduate to commit his future to the Glens.

Now entering his sixth season at The BetMcLean Oval, Bell has progressed through every stage of the Glentoran Ashfield Academy before continuing his development through the Club’s Elite Scholarship Programme, combining full-time football development with his academic studies.

A consistent performer throughout the Academy, Bell enjoyed success at every age group, helping the Under-16s win the league title before lifting the Harry Cavan Youth Cup with the Under-18s. Last season, the midfielder played a key role as Glentoran’s Seconds secured the NIFL Premiership Development League title.

Alongside his football development, Bell is currently awaiting the results of his final school year and hopes to continue his studies in Sports Science at Ulster University while pursuing his football career with the Glens.

Speaking after signing his first professional contract, Reece Bell said: “I’m incredibly proud to sign my first professional contract with Glentoran. It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time and it’s a special moment for me and my family.

“Coming through the Academy and the Elite Scholarship Programme has helped me develop both as a footballer and as a person. I’ve had great support from the coaches, the staff and my teammates over the years and I’m really grateful for everything they’ve done for me.

“I’ve really enjoyed being around the first-team group. Every day is an opportunity to learn and improve and being in that environment every day has shown me exactly what’s required to reach the next level.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I know there’s still a lot of hard work to do, but I’ll keep giving everything I can to improve and hopefully make a positive contribution whenever my opportunity comes.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Reece has thoroughly earned this opportunity through the work he’s put in over a number of years in the Academy and with the Seconds last season. He’s developed enormously during that time and fully deserves the chance to sign his first professional contract.

“Every time he’s trained or played with the first-team squad, he’s shown exactly the attitude you want from a young player. He listens, he wants to learn and he’s prepared to work hard every day to improve his game.

“He’s a technically gifted midfielder who is comfortable in possession, plays with real intelligence and has the ability to receive the ball under pressure and make things happen. He has the qualities and mentality we look for in young players, and we’re excited to continue working with him as part of the first-team group.”

“Our responsibility now is to help Reece continue that development, give him the right support and create the best environment for him to keep progressing. If he maintains the attitude and commitment he’s shown throughout his journey so far, we’re confident he has all the qualities to build a successful career at Glentoran.”

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “Reece’s journey is one everyone connected with the football club can be incredibly proud of. He’s progressed through our Academy, continued his development as part of our Elite Scholarship Programme and played an important role in helping the Seconds win the NIFL Premiership Development League title last season.

“One of the most important things for us as a football club is making sure our best young players can see a clear pathway into the first team. If they’re prepared to work hard, continue to develop and embrace every opportunity they’re given, they’ll always have the chance to push themselves into the senior environment.

“We’ve seen Academy graduates establish themselves at Glentoran and others go on to earn opportunities across the water, and we’re determined to keep building on that success.

“Reece has earned this contract not just through his ability, but through his attitude, consistency and commitment over a number of years. This is another important step in his development and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with him as he develops into a first-team player.”