Salgaocar FC join the Celtic family
Salgaocar FC join the Celtic family, Celtic FC coach visits the club as part of joint initiative
Vasco: Salgaocar Football Club is delighted to announce its association with Scottish and European giants, Celtic FC, in an endeavour to further build on the club’s impressive youth development system. Salgaocar FC, have over the years laid strong emphasis on youth development and it is no surprise therefore that it is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. This is evident from the number of players who have over the years come through the ranks to eventually play for the first team. With the introduction of the AIFF club licensing criteria more recently, most clubs are required to pay attention to their youth development, at Salgaocar FC it’s always been extending beyond the bare minimum, as far as youth development is concerned. The past year in particular has seen further steps introduced to enhance the system, with the youth teams and coaches working closely with their senior counterparts.
Commenting on the partnership Salgaocar FC President, Mr. Shivanand V. Salgaocar commented, “We at Salgaocar FC are delighted to be closely associated with Celtic FC.”
“At the heart of this relationship is a shared philosophy that is devoted to the promotion and development of young, local talent. This is the beginning of what we hope to be a longstanding and highly fruitful association.”
Celtic, winners of the first European Championship have a near unparalleled history. Unlike several other European giants that have over the years broken the bank to meet with success, Celtic has been known for it’s focus on developing and grooming young local talent. James Forrest is a fine example. Widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Scottish game, the 23 year old joined Celtic’s youth academy in 2003 and progressed through the ranks before making his debut in the 2009–10 season. He is an integral part of the current squad.
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “The Celtic International Club Partnership Programme is a very exciting programme for the Club and we are delighted to welcome Salgaocar FC to be part of it and to the Celtic family.
“Celtic’s connection with India has been longstanding, however this is the first time we have developed a relationship with another professional club in this region. We are excited to see what can be developed from this unique relationship.”
Celtic Soccer Academy Manager and coach of the club’s U-12 team, John McStay, was in Goa between the 8th and 12th of the month and spent time with the club’s first team, academy players to get a better understanding of the structure and coaching methodologies. He also spent time with the 500+ kids from the club’s Community Outreach Program held at Chicalim Panchayat Ground.
Salgaocar’s juniors have put in some stellar performances this season with the U-19s having annexed the GFA Third Division title, having score a mammoth 64 goals through the campaign in addition to having qualified for the final leg of the U-19 I-League from the Goa zone.