The Lajee Celtic Football Academy officially launched in 2023, though its story began much earlier—on August 17th, 2016. That day marked a pivotal moment of solidarity between Palestine and the Green Brigade, the Celtic Ultras, during a Champions League qualification match between Celtic and Israeli team Hapoel Beer-Sheva.

Known for their internationalist views and historic support for Palestine, the Green Brigade displayed Palestinian flags throughout their section of the stadium. The action was not only a bold political statement, but also a widely circulated and iconic image that further mobilized the global Palestine solidarity movement.

UEFA fined Celtic £8,600 for the display. In response, the Green Brigade launched the #MatchTheFineForPalestine campaign—aiming to raise funds equal to the penalty. To their surprise, the campaign went viral, with global donations pouring in. Not only was the fine matched, but the campaign raised an incredible £176,076.

The funds were split between two beneficiaries: Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Lajee Center in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem. Support and gratitude poured in from Gaza and the West Bank, with images of children and families holding Celtic shirts and banners thanking the fans.

The relationship between the Lajee Center and the Green Brigade had in fact begun years earlier, and the success of the campaign strengthened their partnership. In 2019, this connection led to the establishment of Lajee Celtic, a football academy representing Palestinian refugees wherever they are.

Managed locally by the Lajee Center and supported internationally by the Green Brigade, the mission of Lajee Celtic is simple and powerful: to provide young Palestinian refugees with a fully equipped and professionally supported footballing environment. With the right guidance and international solidarity, Lajee Celtic hopes to grow from humble roots—just like the club they are named after.

It is a widely held belief that football has the power to break down barriers and inspire hope. Lajee Celtic, training in the shadow of an illegal separation wall, stands as the next living proof of that idea.