WATCH: Stalybridge Celtic strengthens ties with Smurfit Kappa and Tameside College

Stalybridge Celtic FC Academy has extended its partnerships with both main sponsor, Smurfit Kappa and education partner, Tameside College for a further three years.

Both partnerships began in 2016 and, due their success, an extension until 2024 has been agreed.

We spoke to Ian Milligon, Academy Chair, Lynne Case, General Manager at Smurfit Kappa in Stalybridge, and Jackie Moores, CEO and Principal at Tameside College. 

Lynne Case, General Manager of Smurfit Kappa 

“Smurfit Kappa is delighted to continue its support of the club. As a management team, we are extremely proud to be associated with the Stalybridge Celtic Academy. The way you are combining a passion for football with academic study, working alongside Tameside College is a great testament to the whole team. We wish you all the best for this season both on and off the pitch and at the college. We have a saying here at Smurfit Kappa Stalybridge of ‘Onwards and Upwards’ and I encourage everyone to keep this in mind.’’ 

Jackie Moores, Principal & CEO of Tameside College 

‘’It is with great pleasure we are announcing the extension to 2024 of the partnership with Stalybridge Celtic FC Academy alongside their lead sponsor Smurfit Kappa. We take great pride in the provision which is offered to 16-18 year olds in progressing in their football skills alongside the education study programme at the college. It is a fantastic opportunity for young people and we are very proud to continue the work with our Stalybridge Celtic partner to see it succeed and grow year on year.’’ 

Ian Milligan, Chair at Stalybridge Celtic FC Academy 

''Developing and retaining strong partners with our Academy has been crucial to its progress and we are very grateful for Smurfit Kappa's backing – 8 years of support to 2024 is incredible commitment. Smurfit Kappa branding will be highly visible across the Academy's playing, training kits and Mottram Road stand. This financial support makes all the difference, alongside the consistent backing from Lynne and her Smurfit Kappa Stalybridge team. While we are helping our 16 - 18-year-old BTEC Sport students to maximise their football potential with SCFC and beyond, our first priority is to help ensure that they make the most of their education possibilities under Tameside College to open up higher education, work and apprenticeship opportunities.”