Celtic Soccer Academy
Partnership with Celtic FC
In the summer of 2017 McFarland SC looked into building a partnership with European clubs to provide additional high-level training opportunities as well as potential cultural immersion for the players of McFarland SC. We researched a number of clubs (Rangers FC, Stoke City, Barcelona, Swansea City, Tottenham, etc) and we ultimately chose Celtic FC of the Scottish Premier League for a number of reasons. Celtic’s outreach program is incredibly well developed and Celtic’s communication with us has always been top-notch. In addition, Celtic FC is an outstanding football club that has won multiple league and cup titles in a row, plus they have participated in the Europa and Champions League. Furthermore, they were founded in the late 1800s as a football club for persecuted Irish immigrants in Glasgow so they have always been devoted to inclusivity, and that is clearly evident by their stance against racism in football, promotion of gender inclusivity, and support of mental health initiatives.
Benefits to McFarland SC
- High level coaches affiliated with Celtic FC offer a yearly summer camp for players ages 7-18. Previous coaches have included their starting keeper for their women’s team, the Scotland national Para-Olympics coach, and their u10 Academy coach.
- Opportunity to be selected to train at the IMG select summer 3-day camp in Florida.
- Potential to be selected to train for 2 weeks at Celtic Academy in Glasgow, Scotland.
- Monthly coaching webinars offered to McFarland SC club coaches.
- Every year McFarland SC selects a “Blue” team to have the opportunity to travel to Glasgow to train with coaches affiliated with Celtic FC. Team selection is determined by the McFarland SC Board and alternates between boys and girls teams every year. Preference is given to our older teams. Teams selected to date:
- 2019- ’04, ’05, ’06 girls
- 2020- None
- 2021- ’06, ’07, ’08 boys
- 2022- ’08, ’09 girls (tentative)
