WHEN A-League action came to Bathurst in 2013 it created plenty of buzz amongst local soccer fanatics, but now they have something new to get excited about.
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For Celtic, it’s a new market to them, so it’s a great opportunity for the kids.
- Doug McKenzie
Three years after the Central Coast and Brisbane Roar squared off at Carrington Park, Bathurst will host members of the Celtic FC coaching staff.
On September 24 at least two members of Celtic FC will run a coaching clinic, the event a chance for Bathurst juniors to learn from some of the best mentors in the world.
Celtic FC is a professional club based in Glasgow that plays in the Scottish Premiership. This year they were crowned champions of that league.
Their top side includes current Socceroos midfielder Tom Rogic.
It was Forbes resident Doug McKenzie, a man who works developing junior talents within the Western NSW region, that lured members of the famous club to the Central West.
“I was talking to a mate in Europe to see if he knew any of the big clubs would be keen to come out to regional areas,” McKenzie said.
“The big teams come to Sydney and Melbourne, but not regional centres.
“So then I contacted Celtic, who this time of year are running clinics in the USA and Canada as it is summer over there. They said if I could send them a schedule and they could fit in, then they’d be happy to come. It was that simple.”
While it is yet to be confirmed just who will make the trip from Glasgow, McKenzie said that they will be at a minimum UEFA B level licenced coaches.
To have coaches of that calibre headed to the area is a massive boost for local football.
“Some pundits might look at Celtic and say they are not the Barcelonas of the world, and they’re not, but they are still a big club and have had plenty of success,” McKenzie said.
“If it can be a positive football experience for coaches and kids and cost effective, then it’s going to be of benefit to the community.”
Bathurst is one of 12 locations across the state that the Celtic coaches will visit, with places such as Cobar, Young, Lithgow, Forbes and Orange to host clinics as well.
The clinics are open to boys and girls aged between five and 18, with interested players to be split into two groups.
While they cater to juniors of all abilities, McKenzie said it is a chance for those with plenty of talent to impress staff of a professional club.
“If there are one or two kids that can strike the eye, no doubt they could be invited to go over and trial,” McKenzie said.
“There is certainly talent around the Central West.
“For Celtic, it’s a new market to them, so it’s a great opportunity for the kids. It is a unique chance and if we can take it, it will be a big boost for the area.”
Players interested in registering for the Bathurst clinic can email Roni O’Connor at ronioconnor68@hotmail.com
