News

An exciting new partnership between Tayside Aviation and Celtic FC Women’s team will inspire tomorrow’s aircraft engineers, pilots and footballers and promote gender diversity across both sectors.

The Scottish aviation academy has become an official sponsor of Celtic FC Women’s Team with the aim of encouraging more females into aviation and sport - two sectors on a mission to attract positive role models for women and girls.

The partnership agreement will be 'a game changer' for the two sectors, said Tayside Aviation, which provides industry-leading training and educational opportunities for pilots and aircraft engineers.

A lack of female role models and mentors has long been an issue facing the aviation sector, with experts saying that this should be addressed at the training stage.

According to Women in Football, there is still work needed to promote gender diversity and female mentors in the game.

Tony Banks, Chairman of Tayside Aviation, said: “The parallels between aviation and football are very real when it comes to having role models for girls and young women who want to become pilots and footballers.

"This partnership is a game changer – possibly the first time the sectors have come together in this way.

“That’s why we are delighted to be supporting Celtic FC Women’s Team and for us to work together to highlight the exciting opportunities ahead for both of us.”

At the partnership launch this week, Abbie Chalmers, a student pilot at Tayside Aviation, said: “I think this is a brilliant way of reaching out to the aviation professionals and footballers of tomorrow. Whatever way we can fly the flag and help females on their career journey, I’m all for it.”

Fran Alonso, Head Coach of Celtic FC Women’s team, said: "We are delighted to team up with Tayside Aviation, a fantastic organisation which we know is serious about promoting women in their own industry, values synonymous with our own.

"The women's game continues to go from strength to strength and we are so pleased to welcome partners sauch as Tayside Aviation who wish to join us on this journey to develop the game even further in Scotland."

For more information on Celtic FC Women and their upcoming fixtures visit www.celticfc.com