Training Scotland's future football coaches with Celtic Soccer Academy

Since launching in 2016, the collaboration between Glasgow Clyde College and Celtic Soccer Academy has grown from a six-month pilot into one of Scotland’s most successful pathways into the football industry, combining education, elite coaching, and real-world experience.

Taught at the College’s Cardonald campus, the specialist football coaching courses, delivered in partnership with Celtic FC, allow students to progress from access level through to degree-level study.

Every week, Celtic Soccer Academy coaches work directly with students to deliver practical sessions and share best practice. Students also gain exclusive access to Celtic FC’s Lennoxtown Training Centre, where they observe first-team and women’s team sessions and speak with academy coaches to gain unique insight into the club’s philosophy and approach.

Graduates of the programme are guaranteed an interview with Celtic FC’s coaching academy, and more than 30 students so far have gone on to work with Celtic across the club’s academy, foundation and women’s programmes. Many others have secured roles with clubs including Rangers, Motherwell, St. Mirren, Partick Thistle, and international teams such as Northern Ireland.

Shaun Gallagher, Lecturer in Sport at Glasgow Clyde College, has led the partnership since its inception.

“When we started in 2016, I wanted to make sure our courses genuinely reflected what working in the football industry is like. Celtic shared that vision, and together we’ve built something that not only develops great coaches but genuinely changes lives.

“We’ve seen students from all backgrounds, including those who had fallen out of traditional education, go on to work all over the world. 

Among the programme’s many success stories are:

• Louis Brittain, now First Team Coach for Hearts Women, Coach / Analyst - Northern Ireland Women's National Team, BSc Football Development degree,  and a UEFA A Licence candidate.
• James Quail, Lead Coach at Motherwell FC Academy and Celtic International Coach, BSc Football Development degree.
• Dylan Tait, who completed his NQ Level 6 before signing professionally and now plays in the SPFL Premiership with Falkirk FC.
• Aiden Nesbitt, who progressed from the College’s EVIP (Enhanced Vocational Inclusion Programme) to employment with Celtic Foundation and the Soccer Academy’s international programmes.
• Andy Banks, Current academy goalkeeping coach at Partick Thistle, International Academy coach at Rangers, lecturering internship at Glasgow Clyde College and Honours degree students in Sport
• Jack Clow, Current lead girls academy coach, full time soccer academy employee at Celtic FC

José Romero, Senior Academy Manager at Celtic FC, said:

“We want to develop people, not just players. Glasgow Clyde College shares that belief, and together we’re helping create the next generation of Scottish coaches who understand the game the Celtic way.”

The partnership also sees students take part in the International Coaching Convention and SFA Coaching Awards, offering unparalleled industry access. Many students progress to university study while others move directly into full-time coaching roles.

With six current students already working within the Celtic structure and dozens more following in their footsteps, Glasgow Clyde College’s partnership with Celtic continues to be a model of success, combining education, opportunity and ambition to create Scotland’s next generation of coaches.