Celtic Football Club’s charity has donated money to help Scotland’s men’s national deaf team qualify for this summer’s European Championships.
Celtic Football Club Foundation has donated £6,600 to the cause, helping the team reach their fundraising target of £40,000 to cover the costs of the trip to Turkey.
This is the first time a self-funded team has participated in the competition and the team is eager to represent their country.
Joseph Sheridan, secretary of the Scottish Deaf Football Association (SDFA), said: “We are extremely grateful to Celtic for helping us get through this and to the many people who have helped us along the way.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the men to fulfill a lifelong dream and it’s the biggest competition they’ll ever qualify for. It means a lot to all our players.”
The 2024 European Deaf Football Championship will be held in Turkey from May 20 to June 1.
The SDFA was established in 1889 without financial support from the wider organization and therefore Start a fundraising campaign Pay for travel and accommodation.
The fundraising campaign will continue to accept any further donations to provide additional support.
Mr Sheridan said: “Life as a deaf person is really difficult. It has many, many challenges, so for these people to have the opportunity to represent their country and know that people are behind you, it’s a real blessing It’s amazing and very exciting.”
“There are approximately 4,000 deaf children Scotland If they see what’s happening here, they will also be inspired to keep going and achieve their dreams, whether it’s in football or any other area of life. “
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Celtic have carried out important work for deaf people in recent years through a range of initiatives.
this Glasgow The club has British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters at all home games – with two players from the Scotland Men’s Deaf team welcoming a match at Celtic Park recently.
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Tony Hamilton, chief executive of Celtic Football Club Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have contributed, along with many others, to achieving this goal which will enable the team to compete in the Championship. It is a great collective effort effort.
“Given our initiatives working with deaf people, this call really resonates with us.
“The challenges these people face in their daily lives are huge and for them to be at the European Championships is a brilliant achievement and we have to make it happen for them.
“We hope they can have a really successful tournament but most importantly enjoy the experience, they deserve it.”
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