THE Clandeboye community are celebrating one of their own after teenage goalkeeper Lawton McMahon signed his first professional contract with Bangor FC last week.
Seventeen year-old McMahon, who has grown up just yards away from the club, has established himself as a regular part of the first team squad this season, following on from his senior debut aged 16 earlier in the campaign. He has signed a deal with his hometown team until the summer of 2028.
Lawton’s father, Aaron, described the news as a ‘proud dad moment’ and paid tribute to the local community for the role it has played in the teenager’s journey.
“It’s no small thing for a local boy to reach this level,” he said.
“It takes a whole community and talent is only part of it. There have been so many people involved in Lawton’s journey and all of them are volunteers,” explained Aaron, going on to praise the work of Lee Scott from junior club Bangor Young Men – where Lawton began his football career – as well as Louise Spence from North Down Community Network and the DICE Futures Project, Clandeboye Primary School vice-principal Julie Thomas and Bangor Grammar School principal Stephen Gilmore.
“They are the ones who deserve the praise because they have been instrumental,” he said.
North Down Community Network manager Lousie Spence said Lawton’s contract was ‘testament to his hard work, dedication and character’.
“He is a brilliant ambassador and a natural leader who so many of our young people look up to,” she added. “He shows great maturity, wisdom and determination both on and off the pitch and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Bangor Young Men’s Lee Scott added his congratulations, saying: “I am extremely pleased and proud to see Lawton sign his first professional contract at Bangor FC.
“I had coached Lawton since he was a young child at Bangor Young Men until he made his move recently to Bangor FC.
“He always displayed a fantastic attitude and unmatched work ethic, he is truly one of the best in his position and I have no doubt he will do incredible things over the coming seasons.”
