In September 2020, Celtic Soccer Academy launched its first ever Online Coach Mentoring Programme, with 12 coaches participating from seven of our international partner clubs. An individual coach development plan was designed for each coach, shaping the next six months of mentoring, which included a number of webinars from Celtic FC staff, coaching assignments and one-to-one online meetings.

Nicholas DeMarsh, Director of Coaching at Kenmore Soccer Club, said “It has been my great pleasure and privilege to work with Celtic FC. The Online Coach Mentoring Programme is highly interactive and specifically tailored to address my goals for professional and personal development. I have enjoyed every minute and look forward to continuing our fantastic work!”

As the programme draws to a conclusion at the end of March, each coach will be provided with an individual coach action plan to help guide future development alongside a Celtic FC coach education certificate and gift.

Celtic’s Senior International Soccer Academy Manager, Chris Smith, added: “I have been blown away with the level of engagement this programme has offered during these challenging times.

'The work that has been put in by all the coaches has been really impressive and I truly believe that they will reap the rewards for the commitment to their personal development over the last six months.'

The 12 coaches who have graduated from this programme are:

Addison Reyes: Yardley Makefield Soccer, USA
Tori De’Angelo: Yardley Makefield Soccer, USA
Andy Staberg: Elkhorne Soccer, USA
George Hageage: Midland SC, USA
Jason Wall: North Texas Celtic, USA
Nick DeMarsh: Kenmore SC, USA
Victoria Colotti: Kenmore SC, USA
Bradleigh Howard: Albury Hotspurs SC, Australia
Aidan Kilroy: Albury Hotspurs SC, Australia
Justin Wild: Albury Hotspurs SC, Australia
John Irvine: Albury Hotspurs SC, Australia
Derek Lennon: Churchie Soccer, Australia

The application process for the next cohort of coaches is now open, with the programme beginning in April and running through to September. Should you be interested in applying for the programme, please get in touch using the contact details below and a programme brochure will be emailed to you.

George Hageage, Technical Director Midland Soccer Club, one of the 12 graduates of the programme, said: “The opportunity to be mentored by Coach Smith and the professional staff at Celtic FC has been one of the best educational experiences I have been a part of. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone and will push my coaches at Midland Soccer Club to take advantage of future courses.”

To join the next group on this programme please contact: Chris Smith, Senior International Soccer Academy Manager. Email: csmith@celticfc.co.uk

Success of Celtic Soccer Academy online coach mentoring programme