CELTIC FC Foundation’s Cashback Gateway to Employment project, which is funded by Scottish Government’s Cashback for Communities programme, works with young people who are at risk of offending or re-offending, teaching personal development, workplace skills, mentoring, one-to-one support and ultimately moving participants into training, further education, volunteering and jobs. 

In this video, Brendan Rodgers meets Patrick, a recent graduate of the project, whose hard work and dedication impressed the team at the Foundation so much that he was successful in gaining employment as a Community Coach here in 2016. In discussion with the manager, he talks about the impact that this journey has had on his life.

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisation’s Community Jobs Scotland initiative, Patrick is now a vital part of the Foundation’s coaching team, spending his time mentoring and guiding new participants as they embark on the first steps of their journey.   

Speaking on his time with Brendan Rodgers, Patrick said: “I had to pinch myself as I couldn’t believe what was happening. I was so nervous beforehand but Brendan was really friendly and immediately made me feel at ease. He also told me I could see him if I was ever struggling or feeling down.

“The whole day felt like a dream and I am so grateful to Celtic FC Foundation for giving me the opportunity to experience something I will never, ever forget for as long as I live. 

“For the first time in my life, I am not afraid of the future – I hope the best is yet to come.”

Celtic FC Foundation is delighted to continue to invest into the roots of our community and we are very grateful to those who support us financially to allow us to achieve this. Many of our projects are funded by organisations who share our values but by joining Walfrid’s Wish, you can help ensure that more projects can be integrated into local communities.

Become a Champion of Celtic FC Foundation – please text CHAMPION to 70020 to give £3 per month or visit www.celticfcfoundation.com/champion

Thank you for your support in ensuring that charity continues to pave the Celtic Way.