Celtic FC Foundation Takes London by Storm with Girls' Football Initiative
In a bid to give girls from underprivileged backgrounds in south London a chance to play football, coaches from Celtic FC Foundation descended upon Brixton despite torrential rain. The foundation, established over 125 years ago as a charity to provide meals for Irish immigrants, has deepened its ties with the local community through various initiatives.
The foundation's chief executive, Tony Hamilton, explained that providing opportunities for people in their communities is intrinsic to the club's DNA and purpose. "It's not an exercise we do, it's who we are," he said. With a focus on supporting underprivileged children, the foundation offers a range of programmes, including working with young offenders, opening Celtic Park four times a week to feed those struggling, and launching initiatives such as fuel banks providing vouchers for electricity and gas.
Hamilton acknowledged that the concept of charity had been marginalised in recent years but stated that the foundation's efforts focus on inclusivity and supporting people regardless of their faith or background. The club has established relationships with local schools and churches, including the one where Brother Walfrid attended, which have helped expand its reach in London.
The foundation is mainly funded by Celtic FC and raises money through charity events such as golf days and a biannual legends match. While receiving less public funding compared to English counterparts, Hamilton credited the generosity of the club's fans worldwide for enabling the foundation to reach a vast number of people.
A new girls' football initiative, launched recently, aims to provide opportunities for young women from underprivileged backgrounds in London. The programme is just one aspect of the foundation's extensive work in expanding its reach and supporting local communities in the city.
In a bid to give girls from underprivileged backgrounds in south London a chance to play football, coaches from Celtic FC Foundation descended upon Brixton despite torrential rain. The foundation, established over 125 years ago as a charity to provide meals for Irish immigrants, has deepened its ties with the local community through various initiatives.
The foundation's chief executive, Tony Hamilton, explained that providing opportunities for people in their communities is intrinsic to the club's DNA and purpose. "It's not an exercise we do, it's who we are," he said. With a focus on supporting underprivileged children, the foundation offers a range of programmes, including working with young offenders, opening Celtic Park four times a week to feed those struggling, and launching initiatives such as fuel banks providing vouchers for electricity and gas.
Hamilton acknowledged that the concept of charity had been marginalised in recent years but stated that the foundation's efforts focus on inclusivity and supporting people regardless of their faith or background. The club has established relationships with local schools and churches, including the one where Brother Walfrid attended, which have helped expand its reach in London.
The foundation is mainly funded by Celtic FC and raises money through charity events such as golf days and a biannual legends match. While receiving less public funding compared to English counterparts, Hamilton credited the generosity of the club's fans worldwide for enabling the foundation to reach a vast number of people.
A new girls' football initiative, launched recently, aims to provide opportunities for young women from underprivileged backgrounds in London. The programme is just one aspect of the foundation's extensive work in expanding its reach and supporting local communities in the city.