With our commitment to inspiring the next generation, Celtic FC and Tayside Aviation were delighted to welcome along a number of young footballers to yesterday’s Celtic FC Women’s game against Aberdeen.

The impact that the Women’s team is having on our youngest supporters cannot be underestimated, as the Ghirls continue to break through barriers and be inspiring role models.

With this in mind, 40 girls from Cowden in the Community’s new female football initiative were invited along to the Excelsior Stadium to watch the SWPL clash, meeting the players and management team.

Tony Banks, Chairman of Tayside Aviation, official sponsor of Celtic FC Women, said: “At Tayside Aviation, we are passionate about encouraging more females into aviation and sport.

“The work Central Park Community Trust and Cowden in the Community have done to introduce girls’ teams to the club is something we are proud to support.

“We hope that seeing the female role models within Celtic FC Women was hugely inspiring and empowering for the talented young footballers.”

Celtic FC Women picked up all three points in a thrilling 3-0 victory over the visitors, and the young footballers got to play their part in the day by being ball-girls.

Ahead of kick-off, Fran Alonso took them into the changing room to explain how they could help the Ghirls secure the win, whilst showing them the tactics board and the way the Hoops get set up in the dressing room.

Cowden in the Community’s Development Manager, Dean Ewing highlighted the value of this initiative and the investment into grassroots female football.

He said: “In partnership with Cowden in the Community, we have brought together 40 girls from the local area creating U8s, U10s and U12s teams.

“The weekly sessions have given the girls a chance to develop socially and it has proved to be a fantastic success, with interest growing after every session.

“This opportunity to watch two SWPL teams go head-to head will give our young girls an insight to what can be achieved, seeing female role models and increase their love and enjoyment for the game.”

Celtic FC Women would like to thank Tayside Aviation for their continued support and their commitment to investing in the women’s game.

Tayside Aviation and Celtic FC inspire the next generation