Nike, the largest Sports and Fitness company in the world was delighted to become official partners of Celtic FC in 2005.

The first joint venture between Nike and Celtic was to design a strip that would satisfy the huge demands of the players on the pitch, and the fans who faithfully follow their every move off it.

The shirt, which stayed true to the rich tradition and heritage of the club whilst incorporating cutting-edge Nike technology, was developed n collaboration with a number of supporters groups, and the response in a hugely successful first season for the club has been extremely favourable.

Nike’s mission is to deliver world-class athletes a competitive edge, to help them perform to their maximum, and this will continue to be the focus of the company’s partnership with Celtic.

The players benefit from Nike innovation in many different ways; not only through their shirts, shorts and socks which all help to keep the player dry and comfortable for the full 90 minutes, but also through their footwear as many of the first team squad, including Player of the Year Shaun Maloney and joint Top-Scorer Maciek Zurawski wear Nike boots.

Nike and Celtic have also worked together in this first year to bring the fans closer to the club. Shaun Maloney helped launch the Nike Joga3 Futsal tournament in Glasgow earlier this year – a 3v3 game of football played with a smaller, heavier ball to encourage skilful play, made popular in the home of the beautiful game, Brazil.

Indeed, several teams of Celtic fans are amongst the regional winners who will compete this summer to be crowned UK Joga3 Champions and with it the chance to go to Brazil and play against the most skilful teams from around the world!

After such a great start, we’re looking forward to a long and fruitful association with Celtic FC and it’s fans.