31/03/09 GCT Shop now updated The GCT online shop has now been completely updated, old redundant stock has now been removed and recent products have now been made available for purchase on the internet. Amongst the new items for sale are the popular "How The East Was Won" GCT book release, and the long awaited "European Dream" DVD. The very popular Ghana Glens & 1974 European Cup Winners Cup Q/F enamel pin badges are now also available at £2.50 + 50p P&P. Click on the 'Shop' link above for more
19/03/09 GCT Candidates for 2009 Glentoran AGM Glentoran Community Trust are delighted to announce that, as promised, we will be contesting further seats on the Board of Directors of Glentoran Football Club at their 2009 Annual General Meeting - to be held in the next 6 - 8 weeks. The GCT will be putting forward 2 candidates:
Glentoran Director & GCT Member Stephen Henderson, by rotation at GFC must stand for re-election, and is - while GCT Member John Moore will be contesting a second seat for the GCT on the GFC Board. John Moore should need no introduction to Glentoran fans, his credentials speak for themselves. A Glentoran supporter since the heady days of the Detroit Cougars and John Colrain, John has been a fixture at the Oval for over 40 years. Most notably though, John has been involved with the production of the "Glentoran Gazette" for over 13 years, and Editor for 5, during which time the Gazette won the Northern Ireland Football Programme Collectors "Programme of the Year" on each occasion!
Given the tireless and professional approach of Stephen Henderson since his election last year, the merits of GCT inclusion on the Glentoran Board of Directors is now undeniable. Stephen has become a tremendous asset to Glentoran Football Club and a real credit to all of us here in the Glentoran Community Trust. John Moore comes to the table as yet another of proven resolve and commitment to Glentoran Football Club, another with the determination and skill required to keep Glentoran at the forefront of Irish League Football, and to strengthen the bond between the Club and the Community in which it resides.
We would call upon every GCT Member to give both these candidates your fullest support in the run-up to the forthcoming Glentoran FC AGM, and would urge all Glentoran FC Shareholders to cast your votes wisely. Remember ...
A vote for Glentoran Community Trust ... A vote for the very future of Glentoran Football Club!
Bless Em' All - Heroes for one more day - by Philip Stevenson
 Last Saturday evening, the Glentoran Community Trust hosted a special re-union at the Park Avenue Hotel. The function, doubling up as a special launch night for the Trust’s new production, "A European Dream DVD" helped mark the 35th Anniversary of Glentoran reaching the Quarter Final of the European Cup Winners' Cup, against crack West German side Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Before the main function all the research paid off as 14 of the 20 surviving members of the '74' squad from met up again in the Park Avenue’s Aldorf Suite for an informal re-union prior to the main function in the Oxford Rooms.
Read the full report of a wonderful evening ... HERE
09/03/09 ECWC Function - SHIRTS & TICKETS The Glentoran Community Trust replica  shirts from the Glens 1974 European Cup Winners' Cup Quarter-Final have just arrived in the post. Those of you who have ordered one of the RED replica's, and would like it before the GCT's ECWC 35th Anniversary function at the Park Avenue Hotel this Saturday night, can collect it from Ronnie Hoy when the Glens visit the Newry Showgrounds on Tuesday night. Failing that you can reach Ronnie at 07725 211668, or via email at and make your own arrangements.
Tickets for Saturday nights "Sounds of the Seventies" event are also still available by the way, when upwards of 15 of that 1974 squad will be back in East Belfast to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of one of the Glens greatest ever European achievements. Once again please contact Ronnie for more details and to order.
20/02/09 EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS' CUP REUNION FUNCTION
As promised, a little more on the planned ECWC Q/F 35th Anniversary Function, to be held in the Park Avenue Hotel on Saturday 14th March. (The Glens have no match that day as the proposed game with Linfield is now being covered by SKY TV on Monday 16th).
The following article will also be appearing in the Glentoran Gazette and East Belfast Herald ...
Back together again - by Philip Stevenson
In the 125 year history of Glentoran I think that it would be fair to say that one team will always be regarded as the greatest ever to represent Glentoran, the Cougars of 1967. However, as is often said the Cougars tour may be remembered for its duration and the fact that they gained some great results against some top sides but in terms of pure footballing achievement another Glentoran team holds that record. In 1973, Glentoran won the Irish Cup beating Linfield, 3-2 in an epic match at Windsor Park and by doing so they earned the right to represent Northern Ireland in the European Cup Winners Cup for the 1973-74 season.
Like now, Irish League sides were never expected to progress far in European competition, however this would be a European adventure like no other as Glentoran would progress to the Quarter Finals, yes the Quarter Finals, and be the sole British representative at that stage of the competition. When you think of the joy felt when Colin Nixon scored to send us into the second Qualifying Round of the UEFA. Cup a couple of years ago, just think how good you would have felt if it saw us qualify for the Quarter Finals of a European Competition!
Next month, the Glentoran Community Trust is planning to host a special evening to mark Glentoran's achievement of reaching the Quarter Finals of the Cup Winners Cup. Currently we are in the process of bringing together the 1974 team again for a special night in the Park Avenue Hotel on Saturday 14th March. Exactly 35 years since Glentoran's games with Borussia Moenchengladbach. It will take the shape of an evening of music and sounds from the 1970's thanks to 70s theme band BALLROOM BLITZ, whilst prior to the main event the lads from 1973 -74 will meet up again hosted by the GCT, before being introduced to all those attending the main function.
During the course of the evening the Glentoran Community Trust will also be launching their long-awaited European Dreams DVD which will be available on the night, on what promises to be a great night of nostalgia for both the fans and the former players.
19/02/09 35th Anniversary European Cup Winners Cup, SHIRT, PIN BADGE, and FUNCTION! 35 years ago in March 1974, Glentoran FC played Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Quarter-Final of the European Cup Winner's Cup. The GCT will be celebrating that fantastic achievement in a number of ways, not least the bringing together of upwards of 16 members of that 21-man squad, some from as far away as Canada, to a dedicated
function at the Park Avenue Hotel on Saturday 14th March. More details of that event will be announced in the coming days, but in the meantime we are releasing two very special pieces of GCTretro merchandice that you as a supporter can cherish as your own personal memento of that great achievement.
Please click on any of the images for more ...
29/01/09 For those that missed it ... Last Saturday's GCT Glentoran Memorabilia Exhibition is now available to view online, complete with interviews of Glentoran greats Barney Bowers and Jim Cleary. Courtesy of ForzaTV at THIS LINK
14/01/09 St Martin's Church, Saturday 24th January 2008 ...
 Glentoran Community Trust are delighted to present a unique and rare opportunity for all fans to sample some of the real history and flavour of Glentoran Football Club. Taking place between 9.30am and 1.30pm you'll have plenty of time to take in all that's on display and still get down to the Oval that afternoon for the Glens Irish League Pemiership clash with Crusaders! Click HERE fo more details
 23/12/08 MERRY CHRISTMAS GHANA!
Glentoran Community Trust, in association with Translink, SPAR, Michelin, & Sign Services, unveil a Mercedes bus for Ghana Glens! Full story HERE
16/12/08 Book release this Saturday! "How The East Was Won" will be on sale at the Oval this Saturday 20th December versus Ballymena United. We've managed to get a limited number of copies (around 150) released in time for Christmas and they will be sold on a 'first come first served' basis this Saturday! Priced at just a tenner, all proceeds from the sale will then be used to re-unite the Glentoran side of 1974 who famously reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup-Winners Cup - a special 35th anniversary function in March 2009. Read on HERE
GCT TO UNWRAP HUGE CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR GHANA ACADEMY!
This Saturday afternoon prior to Glentoran’s IFA Premiership game against Ballymena United the Glentoran Community Trust will reveal the biggest gift to date from supporters of our football club to the street children who make up the Glentoran Football Academy Ghana in Sunyani. Once again Glentoran fans have proved to be the most generous and pro-active in Ireland by sponsoring ALL the players and staff in Ghana for another year.
As an acknowledgement of the support received by the fans the Glentoran Community Trust working in conjunction with Chris Forsythe at the Academy and several high profile National and Multi-National companies are delighted to announce that we have been able to enhance the lives of the kids in Sunyani even further.
YOUR gift to Ghana will be on show at the Oval on Saturday afternoon so please feel free to come take a look and learn more about the Glentoran Community Trust, The Ghana Academy, and other projects in the pipeline over the next few months.
03/12/08 "How The East Was Won"- GCT book release for Christmas!
In 1882 Glentoran Football Club took its first tentative steps in Irish Football. Victorian Belfast was a rapidly expanding and changing city. Glentoran’s very existence depended solely on the dedication and determination of the players and supporters who pledged their allegiance to the red, green and black. "How the East was won" is a book which has been written by Dr. Neal Garnham, Amanda McMullan and GCT Member Sam Robinson looking at the formative first four decades of Glentoran as a club and a social entity in the East of the city. It maps out a forty-year journey, which takes Glentoran from the leafy avenues of Ormeau Park to the packed terraces of the Oval on Mersey Street.
With your support we can have the book released by Christmas.
 06/11/08 'Halfers' draw for the GCT! Tommy "Tucker" McKee is doing his bit for the GCTthis weekend by selling his Half n' Half draw in aid of the Trust at Crusaders! Big Tommy first floated the idea of a “Halfers” draw at the Oval way back in 1996, and 11 years later has now raised the staggering sum of £100,000 on behalf of Glentoran Football Club! Tommy explains ... "I intend to do a Halfers Draw at Seaview on Saturday (weather permitting) in support of the Glentoran Community Trust." "The GCT in my opinion has evolved as one of the most influential groups ever to promote Glentoran FC, not only within the local community but much further afield. One only has to click on 'Projects' link on their website www.gctni.com to see the fantastic efforts at home and abroad that they have been involved in." "This promotes our great club to people in a very positive way." "The Group has a very hard working Board, and Glenmen should also be aware that because of their now good relations with the Glentoran Board, they were very helpful in helping to secure the signing of Andy Waterworth. Watch out for us on Saturday, and don't forget that it might be you who benefits from half the total sales!" Another draw for the GCT is planned for the Boxing Day game v Linfield at Windsor Park. Thanks for all your support! Tommy McKee
Update: The GCT would offer our thanks to Tommy who raised the sum of £500 on Saturday, £250 each to the GCT and Halfers winner Jimmy Carter!
05/11/08 "OUT OF AFRICA" GHANA GLENS APPEAL 08/09
Just over a year ago we launched an appeal to try and secure the future of the Glentoran Football Academy in Sunyani Ghana. The Academy is now home to 100 children and staff whose primary objective is to improve the quality of life for youngsters from very deprived backgrounds through football, and through what is now a very strong relationship with the fanbase of Glentoran Football Club in Belfast. Over £3,500 cash, and approx £5,000 worth of kit has been donated since then! Despite all this fantastic work and the huge development of the Academy over a short period of time, the stark reality is that WE are the primary sponsors of the project, and the survival of the Academy hangs by a slender thread year on year. With this in mind we are proud to announce the launch of Africa Calling 09 in an attempt to keep the dream alive. Read on ... HERE
18/09/08 WIN ONE OF FOUR FANTASTIC GLENTORAN SHIRTS!
The GCT over the next 2 weeks are offering Glentoran fans an opportunity to win one of FOUR fantastic Glentoran shirts! Three of the shirts are 'worn' player shirts, named and numbered, while the fourth is one of only 13 commissioned by Glentoran FC, a numbered long-sleeved version of the unique RED shirt of 2005/06
To be in with a chance of winning one of these great shirts look out for the £1 ballots which will go on sale at the Oval this Saturday afternoon v's Coleraine, and remain on sale until the draw at half-time v's Linfield at the Oval in 2 weeks time on October 4th. ** And now you can also purchase ballots online via Paypal!
Click on the image left for more details and to purchase ballots online ...
Update ... THE SHIRT WINNERS ARE ...
0355 - Colin Nixon's 2006/07 Setanta Cup Shirt
0030 - Tim McCann's 2007/08 'Home' Shirt
0335 - Sean Ward's 2007/08 'Home' Shirt
0127 - 2006/07 Long-sleeved RED No7 Shirt
(Reserve numbers - 1336 & 1409)
 14/09/08 THE ELK INN Discount for GCT Members. The Elk Inn has become the latest local business to associate itself with the Glentoran Community Trust. As of today the popular bar/restaurant at 793 Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald, will offer GCT members a full 10% off all food purchases on production of a valid GCT membership card.
The Elk Inn now joins "Podium4Sport" and "Stephen McDowell Electrical" as commercial partners of the GCT, offering exclusive discounts to members. For more details on all GCT discount deals just click on the Our Partners link above.
09/09/08 GCT General Meeting & Clearance Sale. Members are reminded that a General Meeting of the GCT takes place this Thursday evening, 7.30pm at the Park Avenue Hotel - membership renewals being accepted at the earlier time of 7.00pm. We would ask all members to please make a special effort to attend and get fully brought up to date with all the GCT summer business.
We would also like to announce a special "Clearance Sale" of all current GCT Retro merchandice, some of which has been reduced in price by 60% while other items can be purchased for just a pound! Sale now closed
31/08/08 GCT in groundbreaking Andy Waterworth deal. Glentoran Community Trustare delighted to announce a first for the GCT, and to the best of our knowledge a first for any Supporters Trust in the UK, with a unique agreement with Glentoran Football Club in the signing of new striker Andy Waterworth yesterday. Details of the deal will be revealed to GCT members at next weeks General Meeting of the Trust, but suffice to say the pacy centre-forward would probably not have been a Glentoran player today without the GCT's assistance.
Congratulations are due to Glens Manager Alan McDonald and Chairman Aubry Ralph on bringing Andy to the club, and we look forward to working closely with them both in the future.
29/08/08 GCT STALL AT THE OVAL - The new GCT membership cards have now arrived. Anyone who has already renewed, or joined the GCT since April this year can collect their new 08/09 card at a GCT stall which will be at the Oval Saturday 30th Aug v Cliftonville and Sunday 31st at the GCT Unity Cup. Any prospective NEW members signing up to the GCT on Saturday or Sunday will be given their new membership card there and then.
All existing members please note, your current GCT membership card will no longer be valid as of the GCT General Meeting of Thursday 11th September, and subsequently will not be accepted by all current, and future commercial partners.
27/08/08 Glentoran Community Trust “UNITY CUP 2008”This Sunday afternoon (31st August 2008), the Oval will play host to the Glentoran Community Trust Unity Cup 2008. The Unity Cup is an Irish Football Association organised annual event, aimed at the bringing together of different nationalities and ethnic groupings from right across the Northern Ireland community through the medium of 7-a-side football. It is the second time in 3 years the GCT have sponsored the Unity Cup Trophy, and a unique first for the Oval and Glentoran FC in bringing the competition to the very heart of East Belfast.
8 sides will compete on the day, to be selected from ...
2 x World United sides (Mixed nationality), 3 x Polish, 1 x Chinese, 1 x NI Supporters select, 1 x Belfast Community select, & 1 x IFA select
The competition will take place from 12 o’clock noon – 3.00pm, playing across the Oval turf 2 games at a time. Admission on the day is FREE, with light refreshments provided in the form of multi-cultural catering - Indian / Chinese / Polish etc.
Although yet to be confirmed at time of writing, attempts are also being made to have the licensed bar open from 2pm – 5pm.
Why not bring the family along and enjoy an afternoon of football at the Oval with a difference, while at the same time extending a very warm welcome to our visitors from everyone at the Oval!!
18/08/08 GCT General Meeting and Subscription Renewals. Members are advised that a General Meeting of the GCT has been called for Thursday 11th September, 7.30pm at the Park Avenue Hotel, Belfast. GCT memberships are now also due for renewal. Memberships of course officially expired at the end of June this year, but with Glentoran Football Club now using the GCT commercial partner ‘Podium4Sport’ (ViSport) as their new season ticket provider, we believed the processing of new cards for both the GCT and Glentoran FC at the same time would have proved complicated and risked hampering the sale of Glentoran FC season ticket sales. In the event the GCT decided to make way to the parent body and postpone our renewals until now. Please note, ALL members will be issued with new membership cards. As of 11th September your existing card will be no longer valid. If you have already renewed (or joined the GCT at any time from March/April this year) please consider your membership already valid until July 2009, your new card will be with you shortly.
Membership renewals can be made in several ways as outlined below.
- On the night of the General Meeting from 7.00pm – 7.30pm.
- Alternatively you may use the envelope and application form provided with your notice.
- Pay online via Paypal at the "Join or Donate" link above (please note a processing fee of £1.00 per transaction applies to cover commission to Paypal).
08/08/08 GLENTORAN ACADEMY GHANA v GHANA U17 NATIONAL SQUAD
On Wednesday 6th August 2008 Glentoran Football Academy Ghana participated in their biggest game to date. In front of 2,000 fervent spectators at the Sunyani Coronation Park, the GFA Ghana took on the might of the Ghanaian National U17 side (The Black Starlets). Four years ago the Academy comprised of children taken from the streets of the city. With the goodwill and assistance of Glentoran supporters the Academy has now become the most prestigious in the region despite still being forced to struggle for funds to secure its future.
It would be fair to say that everyone expected the contest to be a one-sided affair with the national side coming in to the game on the back of winning a four nation tournament in the Ivory Coast. At half time GFA Ghana were not disheartened at being only 2 goals down. Five minutes after the break however Glentoran’s African counterparts clawed back a vital goal through Godfred Gyabaah. This settled the youngsters who gained in confidence as the game progressed. Remarkably Edu Adugyamfi levelled a compelling game with an equaliser in the 55th minute.
Reports suggest that the roof lifted off the Coronation Park stadium. The Glentoran Football Academy Ghana incredibly almost won the tie on 74 minutes when Daniel Amofa hit the Black Starlets woodwork. The tie ended at 2-2 with Glentoran’s Acquah Afriyie (who played 45 minutes for each side) being named man of the match.
The Glentoran Community Trust has been informed that the result and the success of the Glentoran Football Academy Ghana has had a huge and positive impact on the whole community of Sunyani.
The success of the Glentoran Football Academy Ghana is not going un-noticed and the staff and children of the academy continue to acknowledge the assistance and support generated by their friends in Belfast.
In the next two weeks the Glentoran Community Trust in conjunction with the Glentoran Supporters Committee 1923 and the various affiliated websites will again launch the Africa Calling project which so successfully assisted the children last year. The format is similar in so much as you can again sponsor children and staff for the sum £20 which will in turn secure the rental of the Academy premises for another year. The GCT has already made a donation of £500 at the end of last season to guide the Academy through a difficult time with funding. We continue to work with Ken McCue at Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) with a view to sustaining the long term viability of the project.
Please keep an eye on the GCT website and other Glentoran related websites for more details in the run up to the launch of Africa Calling 2008. Your help is invaluable and with the kids capable of results like this who knows what we can achieve in the future.
29/07/08 Ghana Glens face biggest game of their young lives! The young footballers of Glentoran Football Academy in Sunyani Ghana cannot wait for their match against the Black Starlets (Ghana U17 National Team) on Wednesday, July 30th 2008 at the Sunyani Coronation Park. The Game forms part of the Black Starlets training tour of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana sponsored by the Brong Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council, Ghana Football Association, and Space FM. Click HERE for the full story.
26/07/08 EURO STARS - the new batch! We have now taken delivery of 25 only of the "Euro Stars" T Shirts below, but without the misprint. These 'perfects' are all in colour grey with black print and in limited sizes. These 25 are priced £12.00 plus £2 postage. Use the link below to view and for details on how to enquire for availability.
18/07/08 EURO STARS SALE! - 50BRAND NEW GCT Euro T Shirts at 1/3rd price! HERE
12/07/08 Statement re GCT "Culture Kicks" Open Day 2nd August - HERE
04/07/08 PICK UP A BARGAIN AND SEND OUR KIDS TO THE FOYLE CUP!
 The GCT are delighted to once again announce that the Glentoran commercial department have provided the remaining stock from last season to the Glentoran Community Trust.
This years bargain sale will help us try to raise the necessary funds to enable the Glentoran U16 squad to compete in this season’s Foyle Cup. Defeated finalists last season, the U16's hope to go one better this year, but with overheads such as accommodation and transport so prohibitive, you can help give them that opportunity!
There are some real bargains to be had in this seasons sale, so get in early so as not to be disappointed!
Shop now closed, thanks to your support the GCT were able to donate over £300 to the U16's towards their Foyle Cup trip :-)
24/06/08 GCT, LEGION 1882, & GLENTORAN YOUTH SQUADS GO VIRAL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4sbttEhQ5g
Over the last couple of months the Glentoran Community Trust have been working in conjunction with the emerging 'Legion 1882' supporters group in an attempt to attract more younger fans back through the Oval turnstiles. Having researched the most effective way to get the message out there, Legion 1882 have produced Glentoran’s first 'viral'. The 5 minute short airs for the first time on Youtube, Bebo, Facebook etc at the above link, and believe us if you’ve been around the Oval at all in the last couple of years this one is worth a watch. ForzaTV will also run the film.
The project has been brought together by ForzaTV, Legion 1882, GCT, Glentoran stars of the future, and Glentoran Football Club. Something different, something new and if you don’t enjoy it we’ll give you your money back!
Hopefully there will be some exciting news for younger Glenmen and women in the not too distant future.
22/05/08 Ghana Glens Acquah call up. Acquah Afriyie, the 15 year-old kid courted by the GCT and who trained with the Glens back in November, has just been called up into the Ghana U17 international squad who are at training camp! ACQUAH LINK
19/05/08 “GCT CULTURE KICKS” - “COLOURS OF THE WORLD 08”
WE’RE BACK!! SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST 2008 - A GLENTORAN OPEN DAY WITH A DIFFERENCE!
GLENTORAN COMMUNITY TRUST in association with GLENTORAN FOOTBALL CLUB are delighted to announce …
“GCT CULTURE KICKS” - “COLOURS OF THE WORLD 08”
… as the Club and it’s supporters open the doors of the Oval to the community of East Belfast and beyond…!
It has been a few years since Glentoran last hosted an open day during the close season at the Oval. The event was always considered a successful and unique curtain raiser to a new campaign. Since then East Belfast has undoubtedly become a multi-cultural society. “GCT Culture Kicks” - “Colours of the World 08” invite the now broadly diverse cultural community which exists around our East Belfast football club to join us for a day of sport, entertainment, learning and friendship.
Click HERE for more ...
21/04/08 GCTretro - "The Heritage Collection" You may have already noticed the extremely successful GCTretro collection of vintage replica wear is expanding rapidly. Following on from the hugely popular ECWC 74 “run out top” the GCT are now poised to unveil the first shirt in our new “Heritage Collection”, Glentoran retro shirts that commemorate pivotal moments in the history of the Cock n’ Hens.
To help cope with demand for these high quality mementos the GCT commercial section are building a database of existing customers and for those keen to get a first glimpse of the new products on offer. The first of the Heritage Collection will be available to view and in turn order from Sunday 27th April 2008.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list please send your name and email address to
All existing Glentoran Community Trust members will receive emails as a matter of course.
All Heritage Collection shirts are manufactured in 100% high quality cotton available both in short sleeves and long sleeves (at no added cost).
***************** 100% quality - 100% East Belfast *******************
16/04/08 DETROIT COUGARS TRAINING 'T' SHIRT
The Glentoran Community Trust has just released our latest addition to the GCTretro range - a replica Detroit Cougars Training 'T'. The quality "Fruit of the Loom" product is exactly as worn by the famous Detroit Cougars on their hugely successful 1966 North American tour, and is available in a range of sizes for just a tenner! Details of how to get your hands on this and other quality GCT merchandice can be found at the GCT Shop link above.
BLANCHFLOWER CUP 2008. On Saturday April 19th 2008 Glentoran Under 14 take on Barnsley FC Under 14 in the innaugural Glentoran Community Trust sponsored Blanchflower Cup. The cup has been commissioned to commemorate the link between Glentoran FC and Barnsley FC forged when the legendary Danny Blanchflower moved from the Glens to the Tykes in 1949. The game has been organised with the assistance of Glentoran supporter and author Roy France. Kick-off is at 11.30am at the Oval and admission is free, please come along and support the next generation of Glentoran and Barnsley stars. The Glentoran superstore will also be open for anyone wishing to pick up a bargain in the Spring Sale.
10/04/08 A COMPLETE LOAD OF BALLS! Let’s face it, there aren’t enough of us out there that we could become blasé about the numbers that follow the Glens week in week out, and to that end the Glentoran Community Trust have for a while now been eager to promote health awareness amongst our supporters - and primarily amongst men. It is commonly acknowledged that women are well switched on about their general health and well being, but as for the men folk ... well that’s a different matter!
We can’t afford to lose any more supporters, never mind to to ill health, and with this in mind the Glentoran Community Trust have thrown their support behind a new project being run by the Wise Men of the East. Please read on ... HERE
01/04/08 Update While it may have been quiet here lately on GCTni.com, rest assured the hard work continues behind the scenes. The Ghana "World Shop" appeal below has now closed and the Academy in Ghana have already received their new Glentoran playing gear, we would like to thank everyone who purchased or contributed in any way towards the postage of the kit, and of course thanks to the Glens themselves for supplying it in the first place! Unfortunately, despite our  best endeavours the dire shortage of proper and even basic equipment in Africa continues, and we are now making a plea to ANYONE out there with new or slightly used football boots to please consider sending them to us for the Ghana Glens Academy. We would be delighted to recieve any boots at our forthcoming Setanta Cup games against Linfield and Derry City and at our two final league games at the Oval.
Sizes & No. of pairs needed: 9's x 2 pair, 8's x 11, 7's x 6, 6's x 5, & 5's x 2.
They can be deposited in the ticket office area (where the lads who sell the Gazette operate from beside the turnstiles) before kick-off. Alternatively if you live outside the Greater Belfast area please email us at if you think you can help in any way. A full report and update on the latest at the Ghana Academy can now be found HERE.
The GCT Board have also recently met with Glentoran Manager Alan McDonald for his thoughts on the future at Glentoran FC, and an update on the proposed transition of the Community Initiative to a new 'Glentoran Academy' next season and how the GCT may become involved. We also look forward later this week to discussions with representatives of the Glentoran Board of Directors. Any members on the GCT mailing list will shortly be receiving a more in-depth update on GCT business.
25/02/08 GCT General Meeting Members are reminded that a General Meeting of the Glentoran Community Trust will take place this evening at 7.30pm in the upstairs lounge of the Longfellow Bar, My Ladys Road, Belfast.
19/02/08 Ghana Glens - World Shop! Glentoran Replica Shirts - £7.50, Track Suits - £12.50, Shorts - £5 ... and much much more! Help the GCT and Glentoran Football Club send valuable playing gear to the Glentoran Football Academy Ghana - and pick up a real bargain at the same time!
Glentoran Community Trust have acquired THREE FULL GLENTORAN FOOTBALL STRIPS to send to the ground-breaking Ghana Glens Academy. The playing gear the kids can have for free ... but postage will cost in the region of £200 - £300, and you can help.
("World Shop" sale now closed - Many thanks for all your help)
14/02/08 The Cougars The GCT online shop are now taking orders for our classic 1967 Detroit Cougars Home & Away shirts online. Complete with name & number of the 'Cougars' player of your choice, or indeed your own name, these 100% cotton replica's are the latest uniqueand quality item from the GCTretro range.
13/02/08 GCT NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE PAYMENTS. You can now make quick & easy, safe & secure payments to Glentoran Community Trust here at the GCT website. Join the GCT, renew your existing membership, make a donation, purchase GCTretro merchandice, ALL can now be done through our new PayPal online payment facility using VISA, MASTERCARD, MAESTRO, SOLO ... even AMERICAN EXPRESS! Our new online shop is now taking payments, and will build in the coming weeks with more quality products coming in time for the Summer, while already you can join, renew, or donate to the GCT through PayPal at the "Join / Donate to GCT" link above! Take a look at our "GCT Projects" link too, remember, we are a 'not for profit' organisation, over £40,000 has been raised for GCT projects and charities in just a year and a half! If you haven't already joined please consider doing so, buying some of our unique merchandice, or making a small donation ... every penny really does make a difference.
Irish League Football will never be the same again - Glentoran Community Trust ... EVOLUTION!
Thanks. "I would like to thank the Glentoran Community Trust Members / Raven GSC / friends who attended my fathers funeral yesterday. It was a great comfort to myself and the family to see such a large turnout. I would also like to thank the Glentoran Chairman, Mr Stafford Reynolds for attending as well." Many thanks to all, Stephen Beattie.
12/02/08 1974 European Cup Winners Cup Quarter-Final Training Top - latest from GCTretro range. The GCTretro range are delighted to unveil the latest specially commisioned addition to the collection. The 1974 commemorative Glentoran "run out top" pays tribute to the 73/74 Glentoran side who incredibly made it all the way to the Quarter Final of the European Cup Winners Cup that season. Based on one of the most popular Glentoran shirts of all time, this unique zipped training jacket carries specially comissioned embroidery celebrating a truly wonderful European odyssey. A smart and striking retro design from the GCT range it is available in adult S,M,L,XL,XXL sizes and is priced at £40. Click on the image for more.
11/02/08 Norman Beattie. Our thoughts are with GCT Board member Stephen Beattie and his family today on the passing away of his father Norman on Friday. Deepest condolences from all his friends here at the Glentoran Community Trust.
07/02/08. Ghana Glens on 'France24' International news ... Just received an email today from Chris Antoh Forsythe of the Glentoran Academy Ghana - it reads: Dear all, please follow this link to a story on the Academy that was done by France24 International news channel. All this happened with the support of GCT. (When you reach the website click 'A Week In Africa' video link 24/01/08). http://www.france24.com/en/20080127-2008-african-nations-cup-football
30/01/08. GCT ELECTED TO GLENTORAN BOARD! Glentoran Community Trust last night took another massive leap forward for football on this island by having the first representative of a Supporters Trust this side of the Irish Sea democratically elected to the Board of Directors of their Football Club. Indeed, Trust member Stephen Henderson not only gained election to the Glentoran FC Board last night, he also topped the poll with well over 2,500 votes! The GCT's Stephen Beattie and Jim Welsh also stood for election to one of the 6 seats available last night, but even though all 3 gained the backing of the vast majority of those in attendance, a second seat was always going to prove difficult given the current powerbase and voting structure of the Company. All the hard work during the pre-election campaign however proved not to be in vain, and the largest supporters group the club has ever known now have a direct link and voice in the boardroom at the Oval - and in just 18 months! Congratulations to Stephen on his well-deserved success, and a special thank-you to all those shareholders / Glenmen and Women who turned out in such vast numbers last night to vote for us. A General Meeting of the GCT will now be called as per agreed in the next two - three weeks, all members are advised to please look to their chosen method of correspondence for more information in the coming days.
29/01/08. Glentoran Football Club AGM. Tonight sees the Annual General Meeting of Glentoran Football Club, and an opportunity for a Supporters Trust this side of the Irish Sea to gain representation on the Board of Directors of their football club. It would be yet another ground-breaking FIRST for Glentoran Community Trust, and a massive step forward for Glentoran FC. Who would have thought just 18 months ago, what was just a pipe dream for a handful of fans that were "Rest in East", the GCT would have grown to an organisation now almost 300-strong, and representing the most diverse cross-section of the Glentoran family ever in existence. Add to that the undoubted spin-off of a raised profile for the parent body, and an investment of some £40,000 in Community and Glentoran related projects in East Belfast, few would now surely argue the merits of Supports Trusts this side of the Irish Sea. But the icing on the cake would undoubtedly be representation on the Board of Directors at Glentoran Football Club. If you have a shareholding in GFC we ask you to please please support the 3 GCT nominees standing for election tonight, the vision that is GCT is making a difference, change for football right across this island is coming, and the supporters of Glentoran are leading the way. Evolution ...
23/01/08. GCT SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING. ALL members should note that a SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of the GCT has been called for Thursday 24th January at 7.30pm, and due to the unavailability of our usual Park Avenue Hotel venue, will be held at Ballymacarrett Glentoran Supporters Club, Wilgar Street Belfast. ALL GCT members are asked to please make a special effort to attend.
08/01/08. GCT AGM. The first Annual General Meeting of the Glentoran Community Trust took place in the Park Avenue
Hotel last night.
The well attended event was immediately followed by a General Meeting of the GCT and minutes of both will be emailed to members once we have had them approved and transferred into digital format. They will also be made available via post on request. Members should also please note that it was agreed a further General Meeting of the Trust will take place week beginning Monday 4th Feb 2008. Details of an actual date and time will be forwarded to members in the next few weeks.
18/12/07. SOLD OUT!
The new GCTretro Centenary Glens shirt has completely sold out in just a week folks, and any of you already ordered will receive them before Christmas as arranged. Many thanks for the interest.
12/12/07. GCT AGM. Notification of Glentoran Community Trusts' first ever AGM, taking place on Monday 7th January 2008, is being dispatched to GCT members over the next few days. Any member who fails to receive an invitation and copy of the company accounts by Tuesday of next week is asked to contact us here at the website . We would also ask at this time that members please update any new email and contact details to ensure receiving regular Trust updates.
10/12/07. New retro Glens Shirt released for Christmas ... Glentoran Community Trust have just received delivery  of our latest 'retro' Glentoran Shirt - the Glens 1982/83 centenary version, as worn by the one and only George Best when he famously guested for the Glens against Manchester United! The quality of the new shirt (left), as with ALL GCT retro merchandice, is superb! Once again the shirts will be priced at just £40 each, and we initially have a limited edition of 50 for sale (sized M, L, XL & XXL only). With our first order already safely arrived and a second on the way, we hope to be able to deliver all 50 before Christmas. For more details and to order yours today, please email
09/12/07. Glentoran Community Trust - Pensioners Christmas Lunch The GCT, in line with our declared aims to engage and promote Glentoran Football Club within the community of East Belfast, and also delivering on our promise to return the proceeds from the recent GCT 125th Anniversary Ormeau Park Festival to Charitable and Worthy Causes, are delighted to announce that on Monday 10th December 2007, and in association with "Engage with Age", we were able to bring some 200 of East Belfast's Senior Citizens together at the Park Avenue Hotel Belfast for a free Christmas Lunch! Read more HERE
07/12/07. New GCT/Ghana Glens Video now online ... HERE
27/11/07. Acquah Afriyie trains with Glentoran FC ... VIDEO HERE
18/11/07. Glens & GCT net Ghana Academy Captain an Oval trial ... HERE
29/10/07. GCT move to sponsor Civil Service Youth side ... HERE
 19/10/07. GCT "Good Causes" Divvy-Up begins ... Glentoran Community Trust last night began to deliver on our promise to allocate any profits from the GCT 125 Festival to local Charities, Good Causes, and GCT Community-Related projects. Thanks to the goodwill and generousity of sponsors and supporters at the celebrations on Sunday 7th October, we are delighted to announce that we will now be distributing over £5,000 of the money raised to charitable or worthy causes in East Belfast!!
Our first port of call was to the house of 10 year-old Lauren (pictured right). Lauren has profound learning and physical disabilities, she suffers from Pallister-Killian syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition. You may not know Lauren, but you will know her Dad! Click HERE for more ...
10/10/07 Nigel Worthington Q&A session ... Last Friday morning (5th Oct) saw new Northern Ireland Manager Nigel Worthington face some searching questions from the children of St Joseph's and Nettlefield Primary Schools at St Colmcilles Parochial Hall in Ballyhackamore. Organised by the GCT, in conjunction with the Irish Football Association and Nationwide, the exercise proved a resounding success with over 100 children keeping the former Norwich City manager on his toes!
Video of the event at THIS LINK - courtesy of Forza TV
09/10/07 Time to put the feet up - aye you wish!! What an absolutely fantastic weekend for Glentoran CommunityTrust and Glentoran Football Club. From the 100+ kids at St Joseph's Primary School with the Northern Ireland Manager on Friday morning, to 300+ at the DOGHOUSE GIG at the Park Avenue Hotel on Friday night, to the highlight of the weekend on Sunday, 2,000+ men, women and children packed into Belfast's Ormeau Park for the GCT 125 Community Festival! What a brilliant advert for Glentoran Football Club all round! From all 11 Glentoran sides in the Parade, the Bands, "Legends", the Carnival, Jugglers, Acrobats, Sammy Hughes & Sammy Lowry, Coyler, Jimmy Brown, Ronnie McFall & Arthur Stewart, Nettlefield & Oakfield, and THAT miss by big Stevie Beattie for Nettlefield when the game hung in the balance at 2-1 ... not to mention the crack back at the Ballymac GSC clubrooms afterwards!
03/10/07 SPAR GCT FESTIVAL - FULL DAY'S EVENT SCHEDULE HERE
24/09/07 GCT secure Northern Ireland Manager for East Belfast schools! The Glentoran Community Trust, in association with Nationwide and the Irish Football Association, have secured the services of Northern Ireland Manager Nigel Worthington, and are hosting a '"Press Conference" style Question & Answer session at St Joseph's Primary School in Ballyhackamore. Taking place on the morning of Friday 5th October, a delegation of children from both St Joseph's and Nettlefield Primary Schools will get their chance to put the new Northern Ireland manager under the microscope in the St Colmcille's Parish Hall. Marking the start of the GCT's 125th birthday weekend celebrations, it's yet another example of how the GCT are engaging the local East Belfast community through the medium of football.
20/09/07 GLENS FANS NET £3,000 FOR GHANA KIDS! The board of the Glentoran Community Trust are delighted to this afternoon reveal that the Glentoran Football Academy Ghana is now in receipt of a donation of £3,000 which has been raised by Glentoran supporters over the last month ... more HERE
04/09/07 ROY COYLE AND JIMMY BROWN BACK IN CHARGE! The most successful partnership ever in the history of Glentoran Football Club are to once again manage a Glentoran football side ... only this time they'll be managing A SIDE EACH at the GCT Ormeau Park Festival! more HERE
30/08/07 GCT break new ground with youth shirt sponsorship deal! The membership of the Glentoran Community Trust today announced an innovative sponsorship package for the Glentoran Under 16 and Under 18 sides. The GCT is now one of only a handful of Supporters Trusts in the UK who have moved to sponsor the shirts of the youth squads of their Club. Both Glentoran sides will carry specially commissioned GCT sleeve patches on their team shirts for the 2007/08 season in an effort to promote the work of the only Supporters Trust in N Ireland at Glentoran youth level. more HERE
17/08/07 Ninety staff and children now sponsored ... by Glentoran fans and players at the Glentoran Football Academy in Ghana! An absolutely unbelievable effort from all concerned, and the full sponsors list can be viewed by clicking the Ghana badge above left. A few pin-badges still remain, and they along with the all new Glentoran 2007-08 Fixture List (pictured below) will be available at a stall being set up by the GCT in the Oval car park over the next 2 weekend home matches (25th Aug v Larne & 1st Sept v Distillery). The stall will also be an opportunity for those GCT members who haven't yet renewed their 2007-08 membership to do so, and give those of you who wish to join the GCT an opportunity to sign up. You can of course also use the stall to pay any sponsorship money of the Ghana Academy children and staff or simply make a donation. Article from the Irelands Saturday Night (The Ulster) 18th August 2007 - HERE
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