Not content with snapping up one of Vancouver’s brightest soccer talents, Scottish champions Celtic have strengthened their ties with the sport in British Columbia.

The Celtic Soccer Academy announced on Monday, January 30 that it has secured the signing of Surrey, BC’s BC Tigers as one of two new club partners in North America.

BC Tigers and South Carolina’s Easley Soccer club have signed agreements until 2026 which will enable them to receive support from the Soccer Academy to help develop players, coaches, and club infrastructure over the next three years.

A Celtic release details that these long-term partnerships involve “the sharing of club methodologies through our coach education programme, access to our coaching curriculums, and coaching camps.”

BC Tigers coaches and players will also be given an opportunity to travel to Scotland and receive a behind-the-scenes look at how Celtic FC develops young players to reach their potential. Celtic Soccer Academy coaches will also travel to the Vancouver area to deliver team training and player development camps alongside coach education seminars.

Patrick Prele, BC Tigers Technical Director, said: “BC Tigers have always dreamed of securing a partnership with a professional European soccer club. To partner with such a prestigious club that has won the European Cup and a vast amount of Scottish championships will be invaluable for our players, parents and club as whole at BC Tigers.”

BC Tigers are the latest Canadian partner of the Celtic Soccer Academy, which already has similar arrangements with Niagara International FC and Saskatchewan’s Moosejaw Soccer Association.