A new home for Celtic FC Women as they become first Scottish team in Champions League Group Stages | OneFootball

Celtic FC Women are excited to announce a permanent move from Albert Bartlett Stadium in Airdrie to New Douglas Park Stadium in Hamilton.

Celtic FC Women made Scottish football history last night as they became the first Scottish team to qualify for Champions League group stages - and with this particular competition stage requiring alternative stadium criteria which couldn’t be met in Airdrie, the club has decided to move not only European fixtures, but also domestic matches to the new Hamilton stadium for the next two seasons.

The move is a pivotal step in the continued development of our women's team, with New Douglas Park offering a modern, purpose built facility that meets all the required criteria for UEFA Women's Champions League group stage matches and SWPL games.

It also presents a great opportunity to enhance the matchday offering for supporters with a range of different ticket offerings and opportunities for greater match day activation.

Elena Sadiku Celtic FC Women Head Coach, said: "Playing in a home stadium that meets all UEFA Women’s Group Stage requirements and allows us to make the matchday experience better still for our supporters is crucial as we continue our journey.

“We have come a long way and I would like to thank all our fans for being with us on this journey. Last night was the culmination of our work together and now we need to keep pushing on for more success with our fans by our side in our new home as we aim to retain our SWPL title, fight for more cup success and prepare for Champions League group stage games against Europe's elite."

New Douglas Park, located in the north-west of Hamilton and is easily accessible through the convenient road network and by public transport. It’s just a five-minute walk from Hamilton West rail station, which is directly connected to Glasgow Central, with frequent services making the short journey.

The stadium’s proximity to public transport will make it even easier for fans to attend matches, as Celtic FC Women continue to grow their fanbase.

Chris Duffy, Head of Women’s Football at Celtic FC, added: "Elena and the team created history again last night and everyone at the club is immensely proud of their achievements.

“Participation in the Champions League Group stage requires different stadium criteria and as such, we are delighted to make this move to Hamilton which will not only meet this criteria but provide great opportunities to further enhance the matchday experience for our supporters.

“This move is a fundamental part of our strategy for the development of women's and girls’ football at Celtic. Playing in a facility of this calibre perfectly aligns with our goal of growing our fanbase and giving us the best opportunity to achieve success domestically and at the highest level in Europe.

“We would like to thank everyone at Airdrie FC for providing a fantastic facility over the past few seasons, particularly the last two matches - the first UEFA matches we have played in Scotland. As a club, we feel it is the right time to move forward to ensure that Celtic FC Women has the best possible platform to succeed and we are sure that this move will be important for us in achieving this objective.”

This move marks a new chapter for Celtic FC Women as they strive to lead the way in Scottish women's football and continue their journey toward making even more history for the club.

The Ghirls' first match at New Douglas Park will take place on October 6 against Queen's Park in the SWPL.

Please note, the club will be communicating directly early next week with Celtic FC Women’s season ticket holders on this matter to outline the new options available for each supporter. We will also provide details as soon as possible about our upcoming match versus Queen’s Park.

Don’t miss coverage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Draw across Celtic FC’s official channels, with the draw taking place in Nyon at 12noon today.

Fixtures

Celtic FC Women Vs. FC Vorskla Poltava - Thu, Sep 26th 2024, 19:15 Match Report