Ability Counts celebrates inclusion at Barrowfield | OneFootball

Celtic FC Foundation were delighted to host our annual Ability Counts Football Festival at Barrowfield Training Centre last week, bringing together participants from across Scotland and Ireland for a special day of football, friendship and inclusion.

The event welcomed teams representing Ability Counts Glasgow, Ability Counts Derry and Donegal, alongside participants from Aware Scotland, as players came together to celebrate the positive impact of accessible sport and the values at the heart of our Ability Counts project.

Since launching in 2011, Ability Counts has grown to become one of Celtic FC Foundation's flagship initiatives, supporting children, young people and adults living with Down Syndrome, neurodivergent young people and young people with additional support needs, through physical activity, sport and team-based play.

Built on the principles of inclusivity, companionship and fun, the project continues to make a lasting difference to participants and their families across Scotland and Ireland.

Barrowfield Training Centre provided the perfect setting for a festival which showcased the very best of the project. Throughout the day, four pitches were in operation simultaneously, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere as teams competed in a series of fast-paced matches.

Adding to the occasion was the commitment shown by those who travelled to take part in the festival. Participants and coaches from Derry and Donegal made the journey to Glasgow ahead of the event, highlighting the strong relationships that have been developed through the project.

The celebrations were made even more special by the attendance of former Celtic player Willie McStay, who spent time meeting participants before helping to present medals and trophies at the conclusion of the festival.

His presence was warmly received by players, coaches and families, adding another memorable moment to an already fantastic day.

The festival also provided an opportunity to remember longstanding Celtic FC Foundation participant, Sean Drew, who sadly passed away recently.

Sean was a much-loved member of the Ability Counts family for many years and was a familiar face at our weekly sessions, festivals and events. His enthusiasm, warmth and infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Sean is greatly missed by participants, families and colleagues alike, and it was fitting that we took a moment to celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on the Celtic FC Foundation community.

In Sean's memory, we were proud to introduce the ‘Sean Drew Fair Play Award’ – recognising the values of friendship, respect and sportsmanship that he embodied throughout his life and time with Celtic FC Foundation

Sean's parents, Stephanie and Paul, joined us at Barrowfield to present the inaugural award, making for a particularly special and poignant moment during the day's celebrations.

At Celtic FC Foundation, we remain incredibly proud of the continued growth of Ability Counts and the positive difference it makes to individuals, families and communities across Scotland and Ireland.

For more information about Celtic FC Foundation’s community projects, please contact cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk