Lajee Celtic expands sports programmes a decade after Celtic supporters' campaign

Palestinian club Lajee Celtic is developing its football academy, boxing and table tennis with support from Celtic fans. An Al Jazeera report published on October 10 examines the international connections of the project based in Aida Camp.

The club operates in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank. Members of the local community run it with support from an international network of partners and volunteers.

The project grew out of cooperation between the Lajee Centre and supporters from Scotland and Ireland. In his Al Jazeera interview, centre director Mohammed al-Azzeh recalled visiting Glasgow in 2012, when a football academy was discussed. Players from the camp travelled to Belfast in 2015.

Celtic's Champions League meeting with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in 2016 became an important milestone. Green Brigade supporters displayed Palestinian flags, prompting a UEFA fine. The Match The Fine For Palestine campaign raised money for Palestinian organisations rather than paying the penalty.

The club's official timeline dates the launch of Aida Celtic to 2019 and its rebranding as Lajee Celtic to 2024. The decade celebrated by supporters at London's Edami bakery in September therefore reflects the history of the movement and its supporting campaign.

On its website, the club says it has more than 140 footballers across senior, youth and academy squads. It also develops boxing and table tennis. Its children's programme combines sports training with opportunities to socialise with peers.

Al Jazeera reports that the team is taking part in the Thousand Martyrs Cup. An earlier plan to enter the Palestinian league did not proceed after competition was cancelled when the Gaza war began. Travelling between cities remains difficult for players.

An organiser identified in the report only as Martin explained that shirt sales help finance sport and youth development. Eric Cantona and Hannah Einbinder have worn the club's shirts.

Football Palestine founder Bassil Mikdadi links the importance of such clubs to developing players for the national team. For Lajee Celtic, overseas connections also provide opportunities for travel and friendlies. Mohammed al-Azzeh described how coordinator Samir al-Amir, who spent more than 19 years in Israeli prisons, saw the sea for the first time during a team trip to Cape Town.