Celtic FC Foundation Takes London by Storm with Girls' Football Initiative
In a heartening display of community spirit, the Celtic FC Foundation has launched a girls' football initiative in Brixton, south London, as part of its efforts to provide opportunities for underprivileged youngsters. The foundation's presence in the city, which was initially established 125 years ago by Brother Walfrid, a Marist Brother who aimed to provide hot meals for Irish immigrants, is a testament to the club's commitment to making a meaningful impact on London's communities.
The initiative, which involves local teams and coaches from the foundation, aims to promote girls' football as a way to empower and engage young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to Vladyslav Kysil, one of the foundation's coaches, "This is not an exercise for us; it's in our DNA. It's why the football club was formed – we want to provide meaningful change for people who live in our communities."
The foundation has a long history of community engagement and outreach, dating back to its inception as a charity aimed at providing meals for underprivileged children. Today, the organization operates various schemes across Glasgow and London, including a fuel bank initiative that provides vouchers for electricity and gas to those in need.
A Christmas appeal, which raised £400,000 for local families, homeless people, and refugees, is another notable example of the foundation's commitment to social responsibility. According to Tony Hamilton, the foundation's chief executive, "For a long time, the concept of charity was marginalised. When Fergus McCann took over [as Celtic's largest shareholder], one of the first things he did was bring it back."
The foundation is mainly funded by Celtic FC and relies on fundraising efforts from supporters' clubs, charity events, and commercial partnerships to sustain its activities. Hamilton acknowledges the generosity of the club's fans worldwide, saying that "the credit goes to the people who put their hands in their pockets."
In a heartening display of community spirit, the Celtic FC Foundation has launched a girls' football initiative in Brixton, south London, as part of its efforts to provide opportunities for underprivileged youngsters. The foundation's presence in the city, which was initially established 125 years ago by Brother Walfrid, a Marist Brother who aimed to provide hot meals for Irish immigrants, is a testament to the club's commitment to making a meaningful impact on London's communities.
The initiative, which involves local teams and coaches from the foundation, aims to promote girls' football as a way to empower and engage young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to Vladyslav Kysil, one of the foundation's coaches, "This is not an exercise for us; it's in our DNA. It's why the football club was formed – we want to provide meaningful change for people who live in our communities."
The foundation has a long history of community engagement and outreach, dating back to its inception as a charity aimed at providing meals for underprivileged children. Today, the organization operates various schemes across Glasgow and London, including a fuel bank initiative that provides vouchers for electricity and gas to those in need.
A Christmas appeal, which raised £400,000 for local families, homeless people, and refugees, is another notable example of the foundation's commitment to social responsibility. According to Tony Hamilton, the foundation's chief executive, "For a long time, the concept of charity was marginalised. When Fergus McCann took over [as Celtic's largest shareholder], one of the first things he did was bring it back."
The foundation is mainly funded by Celtic FC and relies on fundraising efforts from supporters' clubs, charity events, and commercial partnerships to sustain its activities. Hamilton acknowledges the generosity of the club's fans worldwide, saying that "the credit goes to the people who put their hands in their pockets."