BACKGROUND ON CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB

Capacity 61,000
Nickname: The Bhoys
Website: www.celticfc.co.uk

On November 6, 1887 a group of public spirited souls led by brother Wilfred met in St Mary's church hall in East Rose Street, Glasgow. Keen to raise funds for the poorest people in their neighbourhoods, many which had travelled over from Ireland, they formally constituted Celtic Football Club. A few months later, on 28th May 1888 the team played its first match, fittingly against Glasgow Rangers, with whom they would build one of the fiercest rivalries in world soccer. Celtic won 5-2 in the first "Old Firm" game.

The teams modern era of dominance began in 1967, when the famous "Lions of Lisbon" won the European Cup, and every competition entered in that stellar season.

It is estimated that Celtic is supported by over 9 million fans worldwide. The club continues to have a close affinity to Ireland, with thousands travelling across from Ireland for each home game. More recently Celtic FC has run a series of successful coaching courses for young players at locations throughout Ireland.