celtic girls and ladies presentation evening
Celtic Football Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Sportmatch and Nike for their fantastic support to the Girls and Ladies Youth Academy this season.
play for celtic in the celtic women's and girls' academy
head of the celtic foundation - robert docherty
Celtic is delighted to introduce its Girls’ Football Academy and women’s senior team which will play in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. Our programme is unrivalled by any other club in Scotland.
The club is conscious of its social dimension and the role that sport can play in imparting life skills such as discipline, respect, cooperation and teamwork. Participation in sport also contributes to the health and wellbeing of those involved.
The establishment of the Academy and senior team will help raise the profile of the women’s game in Scotland. Our programme will dovetail with and complement the SFA’s National Plan for Youth Football for Girls.
It will also support the continued development of the women’s and girls’ game in Scotland.
patron of the academy - elaine c smith
I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to be Patron of the Celtic Women’s and Girls’ Football Academy. It is a much needed boost to the women’s game. With the number of women watching football matches at Celtic Park increasing, it’s fantastic that they too now have the opportunity to participate and play for their team.
how it works
Foundation Programme
For children aged 5 to under 7 (minimum age 5) there are Foundation Clubs, where the girls train once a week at their local centre. From time to time, they’ll get a chance to pit their wits and skills against other Foundation Clubs in festivals at a central venue. It’s never too young to learn to play the game.
Here’s a chance for girls from age 5 onwards to practise their coordination skills, learn about teamwork, and interact with others of their own age. Perhaps the most important aspect is being introduced early to a regular, progressive regime of physical activity.
Development Programme
Youngsters aged under 8 to under 12 there are Development Clubs, where girls train once a week at a local centre. On a regular basis, they’ll play small-sided games for their local Development Club against players of their own age at other Celtic Development Clubs, at a central venue. The youngsters will take part in games regardless of their ability.
Centre of Excellence Programme
The very best of the under 8 to under 12s training at the Development Clubs will be invited to join a Centre of Excellence for six to eight week cycles. During this time they will receive very careful attention and will play in matches against other teams of appropriate age and ability. If they wish, they may continue to train and play at their local Girls’ Development Club.
At their weekly training sessions, an even greater demand will be placed on the players with regard to technique, tactical nous and fitness. Education in sport science and diet, practice in speed agility and quickness will be stepped up.
The players will have a self-assessment book and feedback to players and their parents will be provided at the end of each cycle for discussion at a parents night.
Extended Player Pathway
By introducing the Celtic Girls’ Community Academy we are establishing a firm base to the player pathway pyramid. Study the pathway and you’ll see some of the routes to becoming an established first team player in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
For further information contact Hazel Wilson:
email: hwilson@celticfc.co.uk
tel: 0871 226 1888 (option 5) or 0141 551 4321 (Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 5 pm)