YOUNG players from Redlands United Football Club will be sent to Scotland to hone their skills as part of a partnership forged with Celtic Soccer Academy.
Club treasurer Andrew Bradley said he was delighted with the move, which would open up “huge” development opportunities both overseas and at home for promising players.
“The partnership with Celtic is fantastic for Redlands United Football Club,” he said.
“It will provide unlimited opportunities for our players and coaches to fulfill their football ambitions with one of the largest football clubs in the world.”
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The partnership was announced to young players and their parents at the RUFC clubhouse at Waterloo Street, Cleveland on Saturday, October 21, with Celtic Soccer Academy’s Chris Hendry also there to help launch the program.
Mr Hendry said Celtic Soccer Academy was delighted RUFC had joined its international partnership program, which is linked with about 70 clubs across the globe.
“RUFC is a very ambitious and progressive club and we are looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership with them,” he said.
The club is the fifth club in Australia to have partnered with the academy, following the sign-up of Perth’s Joondalup United, Nerang Soccer Club and Victoria’s Impact Soccer and The Reagan Milstein Foundation.
While a minimum of two promising RUFC players will be selected every year to experience life as academy players with Celtic Football Club at Scotland, annual visits by academy coaches means other players will not miss out.
Mr Hendry said professional coaches would bring Celtic Soccer Academy to the Redlands every year, with about 300 children, including those visiting from other clubs, able to train under their direction.
Club coaches would also be supported by Celtic Soccer Academy to train players using best practice methods, with a club team also able to visit Glasgow for an annual week-long clinic.
Club president Shane Winterton said the partnership, secured thanks to work by the club’s committee, meant added value for members.
“Everyone knows the Celtic Football Club and brand is a very important part of the international football community,” he said.
The launch was also attended by Bowman MP Andrew Laming, Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson and division two councillor Peter Mitchell.
Cr Mitchell, who worked as physiotherapist for the club before becoming a councillor, said he was glad the RUFC had chosen Celtic Football Club, which was founded by Irish Marist, Brother Walfrid, in 1888 as a way to raise money for charitable work.
“RUFC has a long and proud history and this partnership speaks volumes,” he said.
Mr Laming said the partnership would further develop the talent of young players.
“I look forward forward to future Socceroos and Matildas coming from the Redlands,” he said.
Socceroos star Tom Rogic plays for Celtic Football Club.
