Speaking after the event, Luis Palma said: "Football is for everyone and it is great that the Lets Play! programme is getting more and more kids involved in the sport.

"It is fantastic to be in America with Celtic and to see so much positive work like this.

'It was a privilege to spend time with these kids and really good fun for me.'

"Celtic is also a club with a real social and community dimension and aims to do so much for people off the field, so myself and Celtic are so happy to support such a great project."

Nathean Meadows, Director of Outreach and Grassroots at MSYSA, added: "MSYSA is thrilled to partner with Celtic FC, one of the world's most renowned and successful soccer clubs, in bringing Luis Palma to visit the children in our Let's Play! programme.

"Many of the children we serve do not have the resources to attend professional sports events, so getting the opportunity to meet a top-level professional athlete is a dream come true.

"We believe representation matters, and the opportunity to meet a player who resembles them, speaks like them, and comes from a similar background helps reinforce the idea that every child can succeed regardless of their race, age, zip code, gender, or socio-economic status.

'This will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.'

"Let's Play! is a non-traditional soccer programme, operating in non-traditional soccer environments, with non-traditional soccer participants and has solidified our core belief that if you do the right things for the right reasons, good things will happen.

"Offered exclusively to Title 1 and Community Schools in traditionally underserved and under-resourced communities across Maryland, the programme's incredible success in reaching thousands of children across 22 schools in seven school districts throughout Maryland and D.C. is truly remarkable."

MSYSA is a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation as a National State Association and is affiliated with US Youth Soccer.

Established in 1976, MSYSA serves as the primary advocate for youth soccer in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

MSYSA is dedicated to offering the highest quality soccer education, player development, and programmes while fostering sportsmanship, fitness, diversity, teamwork, and passion for the game.

Celtic join forces with US Soccer Programme to give local kids a day to remember