Our Football Family.
Based in the Crumlin and south city area of Dublin, Lourdes Celtic Football Club is a volunteer-led organisation providing soccer coaching for boys and girls from the ages of 4-19 years.
Ethos and Development Philosophy
Our ambition is to provide every club member with the coaching, environment, and opportunity to reach their individual sporting goals. Our 'dual pathway' approach aims to ensure that all children enjoy the game – while still offering a path for those who aspire to play football professionally.
And at the heart of our success to-date is a belief in reflecting the diversity of the community we serve. We're focused on inclusivity and a commitment to kids of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. Having multiple teams at every age group, with movement of players between them, ensures that every child can have fun developing their skills and confidence playing with others of similar ability.
Our coaching philosophy means that we encourage children to be active in their decision making, we allow them the freedom to express themselves on the football field and to learn from their mistakes – with guidance and support along the way.
A Lourdes Celtic team should be identifiable by its fast paced, energetic and attack minded play – supported by positive coaches and parents that encourage all the children in the spirit of the game. Lourdes Celtic Football Club always prides itself on our club integrity and dignity, in victory and defeat. We are a family focused club that encourages active participation by all members, players, parents and coaches alike.
Our club motto 'Fortius Quo Fidelius' or 'Strength Through Loyalty' says everything about our character. We're loyal to our principles and our community. But most importantly – we're loyal to the children, coaches, and volunteers who are Lourdes Celtic Football Club.
League and Club Affiliations
Lourdes Celtic F.C. is a proud member of the Dublin & District Schoolboys / Girls' League (DDSL) and one of its biggest clubs.
Lourdes Celtic also offers a pathway for our players to Leinster Senior League football through our partnership with St. James's Gate FC.
In addition, we are an affiliate club of Shamrock Rovers – a collaboration that benefits our players and importantly, supports coach development. Lourdes Celtic is also one of the longest established FAI Football for All clubs, supporting children with disabilities who may not normally have the opportunity to partake in team sports. We are also a registered club of the Special Olympics.
Coach Education
To help create an environment where our players can develop to their full potential, Lourdes Celtic places a strong emphasis on coach education. In addition to child welfare certification and Garda vetting, our Director of Coaching ensures that Lourdes Celtic's philosophy of child centred coaching is being met and that our coaching standards match best practice globally.
Coaches are also encouraged, and supported financially, to undertake FAI and UEFA accredited courses and earn their coaching badges. This is supplemented by regular internal and external workshops led by our Director of Coaching and external sports specialists.
Supporting all abilities with Football for All
The FAI Football for All (FFA) programme caters for kids aged 5-14 with a disability such as Dysraxia, Austism, Aspergers, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, or ADHD – who would ordinarily not have the chance to play football and be part of a team. As a registered FFA club since 2008, Lourdes Celtic supports those who may struggle to achieve their goals in the competitive environment of underage football.
With FAI approved coaches, the Lourdes Celtic FFA programme is one of the largest and longest established in Ireland. Our teams have competed very successfully in tournaments throughout Ireland and the UK. Some of our players have represented Leinster at regional level and Ireland at international level.
For more on our FFA Programme contact us or visit www.fai.ie/domestic/football-for-all/football-for-all-programme