Celtic FC Foundation are delighted to confirm the appointment of three magnificent Ambassadors – Martin Compston, Tony Curran and Gianni Capaldi.
The Scottish acting trio, who are also friends, are all lifelong Celtic supporters, with a strong passion for and commitment to the work of the Foundation.
They will collectively promote the Foundation to an international audience, support our fundraising and project delivery efforts and help us to explore new opportunities.
Martin Compston hails from Greenock and, as a former footballer, has regularly featured in charity matches at Celtic Park.
Following his breakthrough lead in Ken Loach’s Sweet Sixteen in 2002, he has appeared in numerous films and TV series including The Wee Man and most recently In Plain Sight, The Nest, Traces and Vigil.
However, Martin is best known for his lead role as Steve Arnott in the critically acclaimed BBC series, Line of Duty.
Martin commented: “Since becoming a Celtic fan three decades ago, I’ve been witness to some low points in the Club’s history to some of the most incredible highs. To see the Club evolve from the early ’90s to where it is now has been nothing short of miraculous.
“However, the one constant throughout that period and throughout our history is the reason why we were founded – charity.
‘It’s an honour to become an official Ambassador for Celtic FC Foundation, to help continue that proud tradition. Hail Hail!’
A member of the Los Angeles CSC, Glasgow Bhoy Tony Curran has also lived the dream by playing in charity match at Paradise. He has featured in numerous major film and TV roles including Gladiator, Outlaw King. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Blade 2, Deadwood The Movie, CALIBRE, Red Road. Boardwalk Empire, Dardevil, Sons of Anarchy.
Most recently Tony played mob boss’s staffer, Frankie in Showtime’s Your Honor with Bryan Cranston.
Tony added: “I am absolutely thrilled to be an Ambassador for Celtic FC Foundation, in what looks to be an exciting season for everyone. Hail Hail!”
Hailing from Hamilton and now living in Las Vegas, actor Gianni Capaldi, is another Foundation charity match participant who has many TV and film credits to his name.
Lately, starring alongside Bruce Willis and Frank Grillo in A Day To Die, he’s had other major roles alongside John Cusack in River Runs Red and Hell On The Border with Ron Pearlman.
His list of credits also include Robert The Bruce, The Commando, Hard Rush, Puncture Wounds, Blood of Redemption, Wicked Within, The Shadow Within, My Adventures With Santa and upcoming TV shows Paper Empire and Salvage Marines, as well as an appearance in the last season of Still Game.
Gianni said: “Celtic is simply in my DNA and is a major part of my life. With that said, it is an absolute honour to become an Ambassador of Celtic FC Foundation. It’s imperative to help raise the awareness of their projects and campaigns and to support the work they undertake in communities near and far.
“In 1887, Brother Walfrid spoke about the importance of community, feeding the children and helping those in need.
‘Today, Celtic FC Foundation are here to fulfil that goal and I am proud to be part of it and will continue to spread the word.’
Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have Martin, Tony and Gianni on board. They have each supported the Foundation for a number of years and that’s been invaluable to us but it’s great to have them involved in a more formal capacity, as our Ambassadors.
“Their international reach will help us spread the Foundation story further across the globe and I have no doubt it will increase interest in our work and raise the number of those getting involved.
“I’d like to thank all three of them for taking on this role and agreeing to give us so much of their time to get behind our efforts.”
