Hibernian celebrated on Friday evening at the Hibernian Training Centre as they were crowned the Club Academy Scotland Elite League champions.
Darren McGregor’s side secured the league title last weekend as the defeated Kilmarnock 4-0. Jamie McMurdo and Josh McDonald had the Hibees 2-0 in front and a double from Dean Cleland secured an impressive win.
That win extended their unbeaten league run to 15 matches and Hibs had the chance to enjoy their title win on Friday evening as they faced last season's champions, Aberdeen. Rangers finished second in the league with St Mirren third.
Hibs took an early lead through a near post finish from Dean Cleland but had to settle for a point in their final match of the season as Fraser Mackie's wonderful free-kick made it 1-1 with ten minutes remaining.
Hibernian Men's Under-18 Head Coach Darren McGregor reflected on the title win after his side received the trophy following the match.
He said: "In academies there's a big thing about development and not necessarily winning, but I think that the closer they get to the first team the biggest the onus is on results.
"I've seen a marked improvement from last year in terms of clean sheets, goals scored and games won. Everything has gone in an upward direction and everyone who has come in full-time with us has improved.
"The big thing last season was the fact that we had to score three goals to win every game because we were conceding too many so we've really tightened up there too.
"One or two of them usually train with the first team every day which is great and the ultimate goal is to get a couple of them into the first team full-time now. They're a great group and they always want to improve.
“I’ve got a fantastic staff team, with Guillem Beulezin, Scott Ross and Matty Fenwick, amongst other, and work with a brilliant Academy Director in Gareth Evans.
"It's all relative and for the boys, winning this league is the biggest achievement in their career so it's something to be proud of and celebrate.
"Winning anything in football is difficult and when you get older you look back at these milestones and it is a great achievement for them.”
David Sheldon, Club Academy Scotland, Programme Manager at the Scottish FA: “At this time of year it’s a pleasure to present the various trophies to teams who have worked so hard over the course of the season.
“We’ve seen so many exceptional young talents in all our leagues this season, but especially in the Under-18s Elite League, and I have no doubts that we will be seeing several of these players in the Premiership in years to come.
“For Hibs to win this league, scoring over 80 goals and losing only three times, it’s a fantastic achievement from Darren and his staff and I want to congratulate them on an incredible season."