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

The 17-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal and will become part of Declan Devine’s first-team squad for the 2026/27 season.

Faloona has already featured in both of Glentoran’s pre-season fixtures this summer after making his senior debut as a substitute in last season’s Irish Cup victory over Strabane Athletic.

Now entering his tenth season at The BetMcLean Oval, Faloona has progressed through every stage of Glentoran’s Academy pathway, earning a reputation as one of the Club’s brightest young midfielders through his performances for the Academy and Second teams.

During his time with the Academy, Faloona won the Under-16 League title, lifted the Harry Cavan Youth Cup with the Under-18s and played an instrumental role in helping the Seconds secure the NIFL Premiership Development league title last season.

His progress has also been recognised on the international stage, representing Northern Ireland at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 level, as well as the Northern Ireland Under-18 Schoolboys. He also spent two years in the Northern Ireland JD Academy programme.

Speaking after signing his first professional contract, Jack Faloona said: “I’m delighted to sign my first professional contract with Glentoran. I’ve been at the club for almost ten years now, so it’s a really proud moment for me and my family.

“I’ve loved every minute of coming through the Academy and I’d like to thank all of the coaches and staff who have helped me along the way. They’ve challenged me every day and played a big part in helping me get to this point.

“Being around the first team over the last few months has been brilliant. Training every day with experienced players has helped me a lot and getting the chance to play in the pre-season games has given me a real boost. It’s shown me the level that’s needed and it’s made me even more determined to keep improving.

“I know signing this contract is only the first step. My focus now is to keep working hard, keep learning and hopefully take every opportunity that comes my way.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Jack has built a big reputation for himself within our Academy over a number of years and he’s fully deserved this opportunity. He’s another young player who’s worked hard, shown the right attitude and earned the chance to become part of our first-team squad.

“Technically, he’s an excellent footballer. He’s very comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, he’s capable of playing through the lines and making things happen, and that’s something we really value. He’s also tenacious, works hard for the team and has a real appetite to improve every day.

“We see Jack primarily as a midfield player, but he’s also shown he can play at right-back because he’s composed in possession and has the quality to build attacks from deeper areas. That versatility is a real asset for a young player.

“He’s already had opportunities during pre-season and we’ve been really pleased with how he’s handled the step up. This contract is a reward for everything he’s done so far, but it’s also the beginning. Now it’s about continuing to work hard, keep developing and making the most of the opportunities that come his way.”

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “This is a really proud day for Jack, his family and everyone connected with Glentoran.

“Watching one of our own progress through the Academy and into the first-team squad is exactly what this football club is about, and it’s a credit to Jack and everyone who has played a part in his development over the last ten years.

“We’ve worked hard to create an environment where talented young players know there’s a genuine pathway into senior football. We’ve seen Academy graduates establish themselves in our first team and others earn opportunities across the water, and that’s something we’re determined to continue building on.

“Jack has earned this opportunity through his performances, his professionalism and his attitude. We believe he has all of the qualities to continue developing in a full-time environment and we’re excited to see how far he can go.

“Signing a first professional contract is an important milestone, but it’s only the beginning. We have every confidence that Jack will embrace the challenge ahead and continue to develop as a Glentoran player.”