Celtic FC Foundation continues our support of the European Football Development Network’s (EFDN) #Morethanfootball campaign, with Partnerships Day – celebrating the importance of collaborations and joint working for delivering community-focused positive change and social good.

The EFDN consists of professional football clubs, leagues and Football Associations who are committed to their communities and social responsibilities and have the passion to cooperate and engage on a European level.

Through the #Morethanfootball campaign, EFDN members will showcase their Community and Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and highlight how their organisations are about more than just football.

A key cornerstone of the organisation, Celtic FC Foundation views partnership working as crucial in the fight against poverty, and this is especially true of the past 12 months.

Since the onset of COVID-19 last year, the Foundation, alongside key partner organisations, is currently coordinating urgent interventions and support for the most vulnerable, at-risk groups affected by the pandemic, delivered under the banner: 'Football for Good Fund' (FFGF).

Our work includes collaborating alongside 76 partner charities and community organisations supplying vital food, essentials, addressing fuel poverty, and providing mental health support to those who need it most in Scotland, Ireland, the wider UK, and overseas.

At the turn of the year, the FFGF surpassed over £1million, underlining the power of collective action, effort and expertise in tackling urgent issues facing communities across the country.

In summary, the FFGF has supported:

18,953 families
12,265 pensioners
9,107 individuals
7,155 homeless people
1,600 primary school pupils
11,000 hot meals and 17,000 hot drinks provided for NHS Staff

And the following were supported through the Christmas Appeal phase of the FFGF:

376 families locally and in Ireland
2,272 Glasgow children (gifts) and 976 families (hampers)
200 local pensioners
10 Children/Family charity partners
3 Women’s Aid charity partners
11 Homeless charity partners
4 Refugee charity partners

As well as collaborations and partnerships, these crucial interventions are also made possible by the continual generosity of the Celtic support – thank you for helping us make a difference.

In the coming weeks and months, and with each phase of the pandemic presenting new challenges, Celtic FC Foundation pledges to uphold the values of EFDN’s #Morethanfootball Partnerships Day, continuing to work alongside partners, meeting emerging needs and offsetting hardship.

Celtic FC Foundation supports #Morethanfootball Partnerships Day