THIS Sunday will see the Hoops take on St Mirren in the SPFL as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the table in what is another important fixture in the chase for a fourth consecutive title.

It’s also an important day for the Celtic FC Foundation who are embracing a number of their fantastic initiatives across Sunday’s matchday.

Ahead of the game there will be a special bucket collection around the turnstiles and in the vicinity of Celtic Park from 11.30am, where a group of dedicated volunteers will be doing their bit to support this year’s Christmas Appeal – more info on which can be found HERE.

Interested volunteers who would like to lend their support are encouraged to contact[email protected] or call 0141 551 4291 to get involved. All volunteers will receive a complimentary ticket for the match as a thank you for their support.

In the approach to the 1pm kick off, we’ll then be treated to a special pre-match guest appearance by 24 children from Celtic FC Foundation’s Ability Counts programme, as they take to the field with the players from both teams to take a bow in front of the Celtic Park crowd before the match gets underway.

The award winning Ability Counts project, in partnership with Down´s Syndrome Scotland, was launched in 2010, and provides children with Down´s Syndrome the opportunity of football and dance coaching on a weekly basis in a fun but challenging environment. 

The project strives to improve participant’s fitness, communication and social skills and to build confidence and self esteem, and Sunday’s match is the latest initiative from the programme which we’re sure the children will fully embrace with the same enthusiasm we’ve seen from them over the last few years.

Special guest on the day is young Jay Beattie from Belfast who has been a big hit with our players and supporters in recent times, and we’re sure that both sets supporters will give him and the children a rousing reception on Sunday.

At half-time, Tony Hamilton, CEO of Celtic FC Foundation will then be presenting the Bhoys from Des Hamilton Casting with this year’s 1888 Charity Shield along with Shane McKenzie of event sponsor ACE Refrigeration, and Lori Ure from Scottish Disability Sport.

Des and his team triumphed in the annual seven-a-side tournament back in May at Celtic Park in an event which raised an incredible net total of £16,000, which supports Celtic FC Foundation’s partnership project with Scottish Disability Sport, which provides access to sport and physical activity for children and young people with physical, learning and sensory impairments. 

We would like to thank Shane McKenzie for his continued sponsorship, Sean Fallon for his valuable input and all 16 teams who took part in the tournament.

To get involved in the 2015 1888 Charity Shield, please call Celtic FC Foundation on 0141 551 4262 or email [email protected]

It’s all set to be another special day of the club, and Celtic FC Foundation’s way of thanking the many people who support some of the fantastic work they do in the West of Scotland and beyond across the calendar year.

For more information on their many initiatives, and how you can lend your support, please visitwww.celticfc.net/charity

Tickets for Sunday’s match priced from £26 for adults, from £17 concessions and from £10 Under-13s are available now and can be purchased ONLINE, by calling 0871 226 1888* or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office.

Tickets are also available in the following Celtic stores; Argyle St, Clydebank, Coatbridge or East Kilbride.

*Calls cost up to 10p per minute, telecoms provider dependent. Mobile and other provider charges may vary.