Given the difficulties the Academy has faced over the last two seasons due to the ongoing pandemic, although not perfect, this season has seen an improvement on what has been deliverable within the Academy at Celtic.
The coaching sessions continue at St Ninian’s and Barrowfield for all age groups, and there has been a resumption in the Club Academy Scotland Fixtures. The Academy continues to work with the relevant authorities in following all Covid-19 protocols. The easing of restrictions has allowed the Academy to travel much further than last season, managing to fulfil fixtures in Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and friendly matches in Manchester.
This season has seen the Introduction of the FCB Team to the Lowlands League. Participation in this league was granted at the expense of promotion or relegation in what is a pilot season. The experience for staff and young players has been fantastic with very competitive matches being played in stadia with opposing partisan supporters.
The FCB Team train each day with the First Team at Lennoxtown only the length of a pitch away from them. This allows the First Team to take players from the FCB into training sessions on a regular basis. This helps with their development and allows the younger players to witness the commitment and technical level that is required to reach their goal.
The Academy operation has appreciated the recent investment from the Club on a new AstroTurf pitch at Barrowfield. Installed during the summer break, this been an excellent acquisition to the facilities and is proving good value for money. The Under 18’s and the Women’s Team are using the facility on a daily basis, and the Junior and Girls Academy make use of it on Evenings and at Weekends.
The Academy coaches recently enjoyed an excellent in-service day with Manager Ange Postecoglou. He spoke and presented his football thoughts and philosophy to a very impressed Academy staff. They all took a lot from this and we thank the Manager very much for sharing his insight and wealth of knowledge first hand.
In terms of our player development, the last few months has been invaluable to the Academy, with young players encouraged, as always, to give of their best. The pathway to the First Team is very visible with great examples for our young players in which to aspire.
The number of Academy graduates progressing to the First Team has been impressive highlighting the pathway available to the young players. Examples include seasoned professionals like James Forrest and Callum McGregor and recent additions such as Anthony Ralston, Mikey Johnston and Stephen Welsh.
They all feature regularly, as the Club pursues success both home and abroad. It is also exciting for the young players, and their parents, to see the likes of Adam Montgomery and Dane Murray currently getting game time. These young players until recently were regularly participating in the coaching sessions at Barrowfield and St Ninian’s HS, the partner School.
We would also like to thank the Head Teacher Mr McLaughlin and the staff at St Ninian’s for all their efforts and support. Thanks also go to the coaching staff working at the School who continue to deliver a programme that develops well-rounded individuals, who benefit from the ethos and values shared by both the School and Celtic Football Club.
Although it makes a massive difference to have all the sessions back on the pitch, the continuation of Zoom calls allows us to keep in touch and deliver the various aspects of the communication and coaching curriculum. Coaches have delivered online sessions and been in regular contact with parents through this medium. It has also been used for input regarding Athletic Development, Nutritional information and for introducing aspects of Sports Psychology.
A massive part of player development is participation against the best in Europe at youth level, which prepares the boys when the time comes for them to be involved in the Champions League. All tournaments were cancelled last summer, and we await information from the various organisers to see if they are likely to go ahead in the near future. Although travel is easier than in the last year or so, a number of tournament organisers are, at this stage, reluctant to commit to next summer. We are sure this will be reviewed in the New Year.
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for the massive contribution you make in assisting and supporting us to prepare our young players to be stars of the future.
Chris McCart
Head of Celtic Youth Academy
Is Barrowfield still on track for RE Development and a upgrade on facilities.