Young Zimbabwean footballers will have a rare opportunity to train under the standards of Scottish giants Celtic F.C. when a two-day youth camp takes place in Adare on 21–22 June.

The initiative, spearheaded by Innocent Hakulandaba through Transition Football, is designed to bridge the gap between local talent and global football pathways while giving back to underserved communities.

The camp will cater for players aged Under-7 to Under-18 and operate as a paid registration programme. Hakulandaba said the model is intended to ensure a high-quality first edition featuring world-class coaching, facilities and organisation.

Beyond player development, part of the equipment used during the camp will be donated to under-resourced schools, academies and young players lacking access to essential football gear.

A former player whose career path shifted during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hakulandaba says the project is driven by a desire to create opportunities he wished he had as a young footballer.

“This is the kind of opportunity I would have jumped at growing up—to learn from a Champions League club and understand the standards required at the highest level,” he said.

The presence of Celtic coaches is expected to expose participants to modern training methods, tactical development and professional football culture.

Looking ahead, Hakulandaba hopes to make the camp an annual event and expand it into high-density communities to ensure wider access for talented young players.

As part of the programme, one standout participant will be selected for Transition Football’s annual trip to Scotland, where they will spend 10 days training with Celtic coaches, competing against Scottish Premiership academy sides and experiencing professional football firsthand.

With preparations underway, the Adare camp represents the beginning of a broader vision to create sustainable pathways for Zimbabwe’s next generation of football talent.