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Conor Owen began Season 2025/26 with an inspirational talk from 9-in-a-Row legend John Brown and he certainly took Bomber’s words to heart as he ended the campaign as a CAS Elite League winner with the 17s and 19s squads.
The 16-year-old possesses an infectious personality and has consistently shown incredible leadership qualities for such a young player.
He is also hugely popular with team-mates, coaching staff and supporters who have watched him in action at youth level.
A no-nonsense, old-school central defender who has already become a cult hero, Conor simply loves being a Rangers player.
He gets what the club is about and is well aware of the privileged position he finds himself in.
He was a colossus as the 19s won their final game against St Mirren last Friday – Zeb Lawson’s spectacular double sealed a hard-fought 2-1 victory and the title for Malky Thomson’s side – and it was fitting that Ibrox hero Brown was in attendance to hand out the medals and present the trophy in Paisley.
A few hours later, Owen was on the bench for the 17s at Ibrox as they beat Hibs on the hallowed turf to cap a successful campaign, and the young Scot was thrilled to play his part in the club’s youth success.
Speaking as he showed his support for The Rangers Youth Development Company, who donated another £300,000 to the Academy in February, making it more than £12.5 million provided since 2002, the big defender reflected on his breakthrough season with the club.
He said: “What a season for the 17s and 19s. I’m absolutely delighted.
“At the start of this campaign, I set out to win as many trophies as I could, but it was mainly for the 17s.
“So, to win the league with the 17s and 19s in one year is some achievement. I can’t even process it, but I’m so happy to have done it.
“It went to the final day, and we had to beat St Mirren, who made it tough for us, but we dug in after going a goal down, and Zeb scored two amazing goals.
“It was an unbelievable end to the game, and what a free-kick he scored right in the last minute.
“Zeb is a classic winger. He can be frustrating at times, but he has real quality and produces moments of magic. What a goal to win it.
“It went down to the wire, but we knew exactly what it was going to take, and we knew we could do it.
“We all worked hard throughout the season and prepared so well for the last game.
“We knew we were capable of getting over the line, and I’m just so delighted for all the boys.
“It was a great season for the Academy, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
“I started with the 17s and stepped up to the 19s, and that was my main aim. I absolutely love being at Rangers, and I’ve enjoyed working with Malky, the players and staff at both age groups.
“I’m delighted with the progress I’ve made. I’m buzzing, and I just want to kick on now. It’s a shame the season has ended!
“I just want to keep this going, have a good summer and keep improving next season.
“We want it to be even more successful, and we will be playing in the UEFA Youth League. That is going to be amazing.
“We have a lot of talented young players here, and we all want to make it to the first team. We have seen players like Findlay Curtis, Aiden McCallion, Ashton Scally and Zeb playing with the senior team, and we all want to do the same.
“Bomber spoke to us at the start of the season, and it was great to hear him talk about what it takes to succeed here.
“I was delighted to end the season by getting a medal and trophy from him.
“He is someone I look up to, and I want to play the game like him.
“Bomber was quite an aggressive player, and I am too, and he told me to keep that, but keep working on my quality as well.
“We are all good players, or we wouldn’t be at Rangers, but you need more than that. You need personality, character and sometimes a bit of luck, so I will do everything I can to succeed here.
“There is a great team spirit in the 17s and 19s groups, and we all bounce off each other – on and off the pitch.
“I loved captaining the 17s team, and I enjoy the responsibility.
“That’s my type of personality. I want to be the captain. I want to help the boys and lead by example.
“Everything is here for us to succeed, and I know RYDC have donated so much money to help us develop at the Academy.
“I’ve been here since I was 7 or 8, and I love it. When the Rangers scouts contacted my family to say they were interested in me, I was absolutely buzzing.
“We have the best coaches and facilities in Scotland, and I love coming in to training every day.
“I’ve worked with John Lawson, Liam Ross, Malky Thomson and Steven Smith, and you learn so much from them.
“They made me love football and gave me the passion and desire to progress here.
“They set high standards and know the values of the club and what Rangers is all about.”
Conor’s career development is assisted by annual RYDC donations to the Rangers Academy and more than £12.5 million has already been provided.
Profit from RYDC’s online store and products like Rangers Lotto, Stadium Bricks and The Union Jackpot draw all go to the Academy, while profit from Museum Lotto is donated to the club for the upkeep and maintenance of the Rangers Museum.
CLICK HERE to play Rangers Lotto (Over 18s only)
CLICK HERE to play The Union Jackpot (Over 18s only)
CLICK HERE to play Museum Lotto (Over 18s only)
CLICK HERE to buy Rangers Bricks
CLICK HERE to browse RYDC’s range of products
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