Today marked the first day back at St. Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch for the Bhoys in the Celtic Academy Intermediate school programme.

The morning was full of excitement as the pupils met with Head Teacher, Mr McLaughlin and Intermediate Academy Manager, Michael O’Halloran before the school bell rang and it was time to head to class.

There are 38 players within the school set-up this year, contributing to the total of 69 that make up the full Intermediate Academy programme.

Michael O’Halloran spoke on the new intake of pupils:

“It’s a new school year with some boys making the jump from Primary School to High School, where things become a bit more intense and there will be different voices from new coaches.”

“It’s an exciting time for them and I’m delighted to have the new group in and I’m sure they’re looking forward to the year ahead as well.”

The partnership between the Celtic Academy and St Ninian’s High School has been ongoing for over a decade, with the likes of Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Mikey Johnston and Kieran Tierney coming through the programme.

Commenting on the success on the partnership, O’Halloran added:

“This continues our partnership with St Ninian’s High School, where we get great support from Head Teacher, Mr McLaughlin and all his staff.”

“Some of the boys had their exam results back just a few days ago and it shows that the programme works because we have a number of boys who have sat their exams and done extremely well, which is also a benefit from the school programme, marrying academic education with football education and it just goes to show that it works.”

A new school year for the Celts at St Ninian’s High School