award for young celt islam

Gregor Kyle
HE has already made his Celtic Park ‘debut’ in the Tommy Burns Tribute Match and, at the tender age of 14, Islam Feruz has picked up his first ‘major’ personal award.

Islam was honoured at the Scottish Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards event at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow last night (June 25) – being voted Male of the Year.

Since joining Celtic’s Youth Academy five years ago, Islam has made exceptional progress, establishing himself as one of the club’s most talented and promising youngsters.

The young forward is also seen as one of the best prospects in his age group in the UK and was a protégé of the late, Celtic great and Head of the Academy, Tommy Burns.

His is an extraordinary success story and having sought asylum in Scotland with his family, the young Somalian has already made his Under-19 debut, featured regularly for the U17s and made an appearance in the recent Tommy Burns Tribute Match.

Youth Academy Operations Manager, Brian Meehan, was at last night’s ceremony, which was attended by over 700 people, to accept the award on Islam's behalf.

A Celtic spokesperson said: "We are absolutely delighted that Islam has been recognised in this way.

“He is a young man whose early life has been very difficult, but he has shown great determination to overcome this adversity and make an impact within our Academy.

“His dedication and hard work, combined with his ability, has led to him being tipped for great things in the future and the club and Youth Academy will continue to do all it can to support him and ensure that his development is carefully monitored.

"A young boy when he came to Scotland, seeking asylum in this country with his family, Islam is an example of Celtic’s vision - a club that is open to all and one which prides itself in celebrating diversity.”

You can find out more about the Scottish Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards at www.minorityethnicawards.co.uk