Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club and Old Line Football Club have announced a strategic partnership today. The clubs will continue to operate independently but will begin to work closely together to provide a supportive community and development platform that benefits players from both organizations.
Chris Patino, President of Old Line Football Club ssaid, “It’s a game changer. Partnering with Celtic improves Old Line’s ability to support all players in Harford County and offers additional pathways to the most competitive leagues for our top teams and players.”
The clubs will work together to share facilities and fields, training camps, coaching education, and ID camps. The partnership also grants qualified players and coaches the opportunity to move onto academy (ECNL, GA) while still developing locally at younger age groups. Carl Delmont, Celtic President shares “We have wanted to develop these partnerships previously to benefit players, but some groups were leery based on past dealings with other clubs. The leadership at Old Line is aligned with our vision and we are very excited to start this mutually beneficial relationship.”
The partnership’s initial focus will be to bring together a larger talent pool of players with an emphasis on the U15 through U19 age groups. Both clubs will work collaboratively with respect to tryouts and explore the potential for academy promotions beginning in Fall 2024.
Old Line players will also be selected and invited to Celtic College ID events and other exclusive events while continuing to play for and represent their club.
With many organizations focused on profiting from players, this groundbreaking partnership focuses on a proven pathway for players with both clubs operating as they are today. Baltimore Celtic, with six National Championships since their inception in 2013, is the only local club to offer Boys ECNL and ECNL RL, Girls Academy and National Academy League (MLS Next2 for girls) and Celtic is a Founding Member of all. Celtic has a respected history of players moving on to top college programs and the pros.
Old Line FC is entering their 10th year with recently celebrated success at the State Cup and President’s Cup championships. Now with over 30 teams, OLFC has developed into a local soccer powerhouse that will continue to advance the game and help write the next chapter of youth soccer excellence in their community with this collaboration.
With tryouts approaching, learn more about both Baltimore Celtic and Old Line FC at baltimoreceltic.com and oldlinefc.com respectively.