Despite the pouring rain in south London, a new initiative aimed at providing football opportunities for girls and young women from underserved backgrounds was launched this week. The program, organized by the charitable arm of the Scottish football club Celtic, represents the latest step in the organization’s growing commitment to community support beyond its Glasgow roots.
The foundation has been active in London for over a decade, with projects that use sport to foster inclusion, such as a separate initiative that assists refugees and asylum seekers. A coach involved in the new girls’ program noted the surprising but meaningful presence of the Scottish club in the English capital, a connection rooted in historical ties.
The club’s origins are deeply linked to charitable work. It was established in the late 19th century to aid impoverished Irish immigrants in Glasgow. The founder later continued his philanthropic efforts in London’s East End, a legacy that inspires the foundation’s modern expansion into cities like London, Sligo, and several in the United States.
“This isn’t a side project; it’s fundamental to our identity,” stated the foundation’s chief executive. “Our purpose is to create tangible, positive change in the communities we serve.”
In its home city, the foundation operates long-standing schemes, including support for recently released young offenders and a regular meal service open to all at the club’s stadium, no questions asked. A significant portion of its budget is directed locally, funding efforts like a fuel bank and a substantial annual holiday campaign supporting families, homeless individuals, and refugees—a nod to the club’s own immigrant origins.
In recent years, the foundation’s reach has extended internationally. It has allocated substantial funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza and runs a network of community programs across the northeastern United States.
The chief executive reflected on the revitalization of the club’s charitable ethos in the mid-1990s, emphasizing a focus on universal aid regardless of background or belief. Current activities in London are flourishing, supported by a network of fan clubs and donors in the city, where greater economic capacity helps fuel these efforts.
Funding primarily comes from the football club itself, supplemented by charity events and the generosity of a global supporter base known for its strong social commitment. While public funding is minimal compared to some English counterparts, contributions from fans and commercial partners are credited as the driving force behind the foundation’s wide-ranging impact.
“The real credit goes to the supporters and individuals who dig deep to make this work possible,” the chief executive concluded. “This is about people willing to help others.”