Sport Northern Ireland: Creating Opportunities has provided £1,750 of match funding
U-21 Development Squad
Armagh, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, United Kingdom
Aim
We’re launching Keady Celtic’s first-ever Under-21 team to give young players a new pathway into senior football and keep them active, conne
Who are we?
Keady Celtic F.C. is a local football club with a proud history of local football. From grassroots players to our senior teams, we’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for everyone who loves the game.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding to deliver a 10-week Under-21 Development Programme running from January to March 2026, providing young people aged 18–21 with a supported pathway into adult football.
The programme will deliver two coached sessions per week at Keady Recreation Centre 3G Pitch, focusing on player development, confidence, physical wellbeing, and retention in sport at a key drop-off age. Funding will cover qualified coaching, facility hire, equipment, and kit, ensuring that participation remains accessible and inclusive.
This project directly addresses Sport NI’s Creating Opportunities aim of increasing participation, improving wellbeing, and reducing barriers for young people transitioning from youth to senior sport.
Project duration:
January–March 2026 (10 weeks, ending 31 March 2026)
Location:
Keady Recreation Centre 3G Pitch, St Patrick’s High School, Keady
Delivery schedule:
Two sessions per week – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.00pm–8.30pm
Project delivery timeline
Phase 1 – Recruitment, Induction & Engagement (Mid–January 2026)
- Player recruitment, registration, and induction
- Introduction to coaches, programme aims, and expectations
- Baseline technical and physical observations
- Focus on re-engaging young people post-youth football
Phase 2 – Skill Development & Sustained Participation (Late January – February 2026)
- Regular twice-weekly coached sessions
- Development of technical skills, fitness, and game understanding
- Small-sided and game-based activities to build confidence and enjoyment
- Emphasis on consistent attendance, teamwork, and wellbeing
Phase 3 – Progression & Match Preparation (Late February – Mid March 2026)
- Increased focus on tactical awareness and match readiness
- Preparing players for the physical and mental demands of adult football
- Continued support for personal development and confidence
Phase 4 – Review, Transition & Evaluation (Mid March – 31 March 2026)
- Informal review of player progress and engagement
- Feedback from participants and coaches
- Clear transition routes into senior football or continued involvement with the club
How we’ll spend the money raised
Every penny will go directly towards supporting the Under-21 squad:
- Training kit and equipment: £1,300
- Coaching and development sessions: £1,200
- Pitch hire: £1000
Your support ensures these young players have the resources they need to thrive on and off the pitch.
Community impact
This project isn’t just about football - it’s about giving local young people a positive outlet, keeping them active, and building teamwork, confidence, and resilience.
In addition to supporting participation in sport, this campaign has been designed to deliver wider community benefit. To encourage inclusive and affordable engagement, all individuals who donate to the project will be entered into a draw to receive one of three £20 vouchers for local businesses:
- PizzaMax Keady;
- Frankie's Diner; and,
- New Keady Celtic Home Kit.
These community-based rewards provide an accessible incentive for supporters at all donation levels, while also helping to support and promote local businesses within the community.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
This project successfully funded on 12th February 2026