Celtic FC Foundation Takes Its Charity Work to a New Level with Girls' Football Initiative
In a move that reflects its deep roots in London, the Celtic FC Foundation has launched an innovative girls' football initiative aimed at underprivileged communities. The foundation, established over 130 years ago as a charity to provide hot meals for Irish immigrants, has continued to expand its reach beyond Glasgow to other parts of the UK and beyond.
The initiative, which is just one of several launched by the foundation since its inception, brings together local teams and coaches from Brixton and surrounding areas to promote girls' football and develop their skills. The project is a significant step forward in the foundation's efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to Vladyslav Kysil, a former professional player who has been working with the foundation since 2023, the initiative is an opportunity for people to get involved and make a difference in their communities. "It's really good," he says. "We're not doing this as an exercise, but because it's part of who we are. It's what started Celtic FC."
The foundation's commitment to charity work has a long history, dating back to its inception by Brother Walfrid, a Marist Brother from Sligo who founded the club in 1887. The foundation's focus on providing support to underprivileged communities has continued over the years, with initiatives such as fuel bank programs and Christmas appeals.
The foundation is mainly funded by Celtic FC itself, but also raises significant revenue through charity events, including golf days and a biannual legends match. The club's fans have been instrumental in supporting the foundation's work, and their generosity has enabled the organization to reach many more people.
In 1994, Tony Hamilton took over as chief executive of the foundation, and since then, the focus has shifted towards expanding its outreach beyond Glasgow. Under his leadership, the foundation has established a network of programs in cities such as New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
For Hamilton, the foundation's work is not just about charity; it's about creating positive change in communities. "This is not an exercise for us," he says. "It's who we are. It's why Celtic FC was formed: to provide meaningful change for people who live in our communities."
The launch of the girls' football initiative marks another significant milestone in the foundation's efforts to promote social justice and create positive change in London. As Kysil notes, "We've got a relationship with the school and the church that Brother Walfrid went to... It's very important for us to be here."
In a move that reflects its deep roots in London, the Celtic FC Foundation has launched an innovative girls' football initiative aimed at underprivileged communities. The foundation, established over 130 years ago as a charity to provide hot meals for Irish immigrants, has continued to expand its reach beyond Glasgow to other parts of the UK and beyond.
The initiative, which is just one of several launched by the foundation since its inception, brings together local teams and coaches from Brixton and surrounding areas to promote girls' football and develop their skills. The project is a significant step forward in the foundation's efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to Vladyslav Kysil, a former professional player who has been working with the foundation since 2023, the initiative is an opportunity for people to get involved and make a difference in their communities. "It's really good," he says. "We're not doing this as an exercise, but because it's part of who we are. It's what started Celtic FC."
The foundation's commitment to charity work has a long history, dating back to its inception by Brother Walfrid, a Marist Brother from Sligo who founded the club in 1887. The foundation's focus on providing support to underprivileged communities has continued over the years, with initiatives such as fuel bank programs and Christmas appeals.
The foundation is mainly funded by Celtic FC itself, but also raises significant revenue through charity events, including golf days and a biannual legends match. The club's fans have been instrumental in supporting the foundation's work, and their generosity has enabled the organization to reach many more people.
In 1994, Tony Hamilton took over as chief executive of the foundation, and since then, the focus has shifted towards expanding its outreach beyond Glasgow. Under his leadership, the foundation has established a network of programs in cities such as New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
For Hamilton, the foundation's work is not just about charity; it's about creating positive change in communities. "This is not an exercise for us," he says. "It's who we are. It's why Celtic FC was formed: to provide meaningful change for people who live in our communities."
The launch of the girls' football initiative marks another significant milestone in the foundation's efforts to promote social justice and create positive change in London. As Kysil notes, "We've got a relationship with the school and the church that Brother Walfrid went to... It's very important for us to be here."