Having already announced our Glasgow and London Sleep Out events, Celtic FC Foundation are delighted to follow up today, with the launch of our inaugural Celtic Sleep Out, Sligo initiative.

This brand new event will take place on Saturday, November 6, 2021 – the anniversary of the club’s formation. The venue will be Brother Walfrid Park in Ballymote, Co Sligo – the home town of our Founding Father – so this holds huge historical and emotional significance for the Celtic Family.

And we offer special thanks to our friends at The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters’ Clubs and our wonderful hosts at Ballymote Celtic FC, whose unwavering generosity, advice and assistance have been instrumental in pulling this event together.

All funds raised will support the Christmas Appeal phase of our Football for Good Fund, which reflects the very essence of why our club was set up back in 1887.

Born in Ballymote on May 18, 1840 to John Kerins and Elizabeth Flynn, Andrew Kerins ventured on the divine path 24 years later by taking up the oath of the Marist Brotherhood, having studied teaching. As thousands of Irish took flight from the deprivation in their homeland by sailing to Glasgow, Brother Walfrid was assigned to Sacred Heart School in the city’s East End to cater for their spiritual and educational needs.

Amid the poverty, neglect and intolerance of Victorian Glasgow, he had a dream. His dream flourished as he played a leading role in the formation of Celtic Football Club in 1887 and now countless thousands share his vision of a football club that opens its doors to all.

Sleep Out participants will spend the night – from 10.00pm to 6.00am – battling the elements outdoors, all for a wonderful cause.

Registration is now open and you can sign up HERE. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The non-refundable registration fee is £30/€35 per person. Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions thoroughly before committing your agreement and signing up.

Due to anticipated severe weather conditions, this event will be exceptionally challenging, both mentally and physically. Therefore, participants must be aged 18+ and be in an appropriate physical condition to take part.

Celtic FC Foundation will provide a ground mat and foil sheet/blanket but participants are required to bring the appropriate equipment and wear relevant clothing and footwear.

Each participant is tasked with raising a minimum of £130/€150 (after entry fee) for the Christmas Appeal phase of our Football for Good Fund.

This aims to bring the magic of the festive season to children, families, pensioners, the homeless and others who are struggling at an especially challenging time of year. The primary focus for monies raised through this Sligo event will be to provide support directly in Ireland, as we have for many years through the Appeal.

So please follow in the footsteps of Brother Walfrid and help us make a difference to those most in need within our communities this Christmas.

Thank you so much for your wonderful support!