Celtic Football Club’s charitable arm has helped the Scotland Deaf team reach their goal in a bid to take part in the European Championships.
The Celtic Foundation has donated £6,600 to the cause that takes the total raised to £40,000.
That means the team have now raised enough money to play at this year’s European Deaf Men’s Football Championships in Turkey.
The Scotland Men’s National Deaf Team, who are also based in the east end of Glasgow, had launched a fundraising campaign last month to allow them to take part in the tournament being held this summer.
It is the first time the self funded team has made the competition, but the they needed £40,000 to to cover travel and accommodation for the trip.
Through a Just Giving page launched last month they had raised £33,4000, helped by an appeal from STV News.
The Celtic Foundation has now stepped in to take it up to the £40,000 needed.
SDFA secretary Joseph Sheridan said the players were desperate to represent their country and is delighted that Celtic has assisted, with so many others in reaching this target.
Joseph said: “We are so grateful to Celtic for getting us over the line and to so many others who have helped us along the way.
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for the men to fulfil a lifelong dream and it is the biggest competition they have ever qualified for. It just means so much to all our players.
‘Without the support from Celtic and so many other people who have helped us, some of these guys would never have had a chance to do this.’
“Life is really difficult being deaf. It has many, many challenges, so for these men to have a chance to represent their country, and knowing that people are behind you, is really something and is really emotional.
“We know that times are difficult and that everyone is asking for money, but to reach this target and allow these guys to realise their dream is phenomenal.
“I really do think this moment could have such a positive effect on the lives of so many, inspiring younger generations to follow their own dreams.
“There are around 4,000 deaf kids out there in Scotland and if they see what has happened here, they too can be inspired to go on and achieve their own dreams, in football or any other are of life.
“While we have reached this first target, this gets the team across but any additional support to further enhance our chances in competting in this tournament would be amazing.
“Agreeing to keep our JustGiving page going will allow us to accommodate further contributions and we value all further support going forward.”
The European Championships take place in Antalya, Turkey, from May to June – with Scotland joining 12 other nations taking part in the tournament.
The squad’s Just Giving page is available here
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