Celtic FC Foundation was delighted to deliver a community sports event at Bay Road Soccer Pitches on Thursday last to celebrate the work of the ‘Dads and Lads’ and ‘Fitness for Fun’ programmes that have been delivered in the city over the past six months. Attended by former Celtic FC legends John Hartson and Bobby Petta, as well as representatives from the Foundation in Glasgow, the event celebrated to the ongoing work of the Foundation to use football for good and bring together communities from across the city. The event specifically celebrates the hard work and achievements of young people and families engaged in the ‘Dads and Lads’ and ‘Fitness for Fun’ programmes that promote physical and mental health and wellbeing through free to access activities and workshops. The daytime event was followed by an evening reception at the Guildhall hosted by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Ruairi McHugh. Both projects are supported through a partnership with Choice Housing and funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. Donna Marie Henry, Head of the Foundation said: "Celtic FC Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting young people and families from across all communities to be able to participate in sport, build friendship networks and have the best life chances available. “These projects have extended our work in Derry to provide wellbeing programmes and activities at a time when we know families and people are under pressure financially, and it’s been fantastic to see the work in action.’ Sean Thornton, Ability Counts Lead in the Northwest and Donegal, added: "We’re thrilled to have staged such a great event to celebrate our work and

placeholder image — Celtic FC Foundation was delighted to deliver a community sports event at Bay Road Soccer Pitches on Thursday last to celebrate the work of the ‘Dads and Lads’ and ‘Fitness for Fun’ programmes that have been delivered in the city over the past six months. Attended by former Celtic FC legends John Hartson and Bobby Petta, as well as representatives from the Foundation in Glasgow, the event celebrated to the ongoing work of the Foundation to use football for good and bring together communities from across the city. The event specifically celebrates the hard work and achievements of young people and families engaged in the ‘Dads and Lads’ and ‘Fitness for Fun’ programmes that promote physical and mental health and wellbeing through free to access activities and workshops. The daytime event was followed by an evening reception at the Guildhall hosted by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Ruairi McHugh. Both projects are supported through a partnership with Choice Housing and funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. Donna Marie Henry, Head of the Foundation said: "Celtic FC Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting young people and families from across all communities to be able to participate in sport, build friendship networks and have the best life chances available. “These projects have extended our work in Derry to provide wellbeing programmes and activities at a time when we know families and people are under pressure financially, and it’s been fantastic to see the work in action.’ Sean Thornton, Ability Counts Lead in the Northwest and Donegal, added: "We’re thrilled to have staged such a great event to celebrate our work and

IN PICTURES: Celtic FC Foundation hosts community celebration event in Derry

By Jim McCafferty Photography

Published 29th Mar 2026, 11:33 GMT

Celtic icons join local families at Bay Road to celebrate six months of life-changing fitness and wellbeing programmes

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Young Glasgow Celtic fan, 8 years-old Killian Burns gets a photo taken with his hero John Hartson.

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The BBC's Kieron Tourish interview former Celtic superstar John Hartson at Bay Road on Thursday afternoon.

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Group pictured at Thursday's Celtic FC Foundation's Community Football Coaching Session, from left, Sean Thornton, Gary Starrett, Celtic FC Foundation, Michael O'Donnell, CEO, Choice Housing and Anastasiya Parnova, Senior Operations Manager for London Programmes, Celtic FC.

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Action from Thursday's Celtic FC Foundation's Daytime Community Football Coaching.

IN PICTURES: Celtic FC Foundation hosts community celebration event in Derry

Celtic icons join local families at Bay Road to celebrate six months of life-changing fitness and wellbeing programmes

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