Celtic Newsletter – August 2026
Welcome Back, Oklahoma Celtic Family!
The new season is here, and it’s great to see Gillis-Rother full of players, coaches, and families once again!
In this month’s newsletter, we’ll look back at all things Celtic, celebrate how our players and teams stayed busy throughout the summer, and highlight some of the exciting things happening around Oklahoma Celtic as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary.
We’re excited for another great season together and grateful to have you as part of the Celtic Family!
Ryan Trudgian
Executive Director
Thank You, Steve!
After 37 years of hard work, dedication, and service to Norman Youth Soccer Association, Steve Gillis is stepping away from his role as Facility Director at the club.
It is difficult to put into words the impact Steve has had on Celtic and our soccer community. The club and the facility we are fortunate to call home simply would not be where they are today without Steve’s vision, persistence, and countless hours of work.
Alongside Mikey, Steve has been a true stalwart of our soccer community, helping build something that has become much bigger than a soccer club. Their commitment, relationships, and belief in the game have played a tremendous role in creating one of the region’s leading soccer facilities and in providing generations of players with a place to learn, compete, and grow.
Much of Steve’s work took place quietly before practices and games began, and its impact is evident every day as we walk through the gates at Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex. His fingerprints are everywhere.
Steve will be sorely missed, but after 37 years of giving so much of himself to Celtic, he has certainly earned the opportunity to slow down and enjoy life.
Steve, thank you for your vision, your dedication, your friendship, and everything you have done for Oklahoma Celtic and the Norman community. Your legacy will live on through the players, coaches, families, and facility you helped build.
From all of us at Oklahoma Celtic—thank you, Steve.
Welcome Back, Don!
As Steve Gillis steps away from Celtic, we are delighted to welcome Don Rother back to the club as our new Facility Director.
Don has been an important part of Oklahoma Celtic in the past, including serving in many director roles, and we are thrilled to have him back as part of the Celtic family.
With his experience, knowledge of the club, and connection to the soccer community, Don is the perfect fit to help continue the great work Steve and his crew built over the years!
Celtic Store 50th Anniversary Celebration! OPEN UNTIL SEP 7!
Shop at the Celtic Store & Support the Club
Please check out our Celtic Store! A portion of funds raised through the store will go toward a college scholarship for a graduating senior, helping offset the cost of tuition and books.
Your support helps Celtic continue its legacy, grow the game, and invest in our players as they take their next steps beyond the field.
Shop 50th Anniversary Gear — TEES, apparel & more!
https://thecelticstore.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Don’t miss the latest episodes of The Celtic Huddle Podcast!
In Episode 5, we sit down with Michael Thomas to discuss the Oklahoma Celtic Academy Program, its player development pathway, and what families can expect.
In Episode 6, Jessica Knehans joins us to discuss our Recreational Program, including the opportunities it offers players and families to enjoy the game and continue developing their love of soccer.
Two great conversations with two important parts of the Celtic family. Give Episodes 5 & 6 a listen by clicking on our Director’s names.
We are incredibly proud of the following Oklahoma Celtic players and alumni who represented Celtic throughout the summer months!
Olympic Development Program
Congratulations to:
Elle Robertson
Kinsley Weston
Porter Hunter
JD Mick
Ellianna Wheeler
Oklahoma City FC — Semi-Pro Players
Currently at Celtic:
Alden Harrington
Cassidy Saunders
Lilianna Gibson
Celtic Alumni:
Sabrina Guzman
Katie Jones
Well done to the following teams and players as they represented Celtic at the State, Regional and National level!
US Club Regional Winners
Congratulations to our:
2013 Girls ECNL RL
2012 Girls ECNL RL
2010 Girls ECNL RL
2009 Girls ECNL RL
ECNL RL Regional Winner
2011 Girls ECNL RL
ECNL RL Nationals — Final Four
2011 Girls ECNL RL
ECNL RL All-Conference Players
Congratulations to:
Katie King
Landri Ward
Lilyana Brown
Cassidy Saunders
Alden Harrington
Naleah Cordes
4A High School State Champions
Congratulations to:
Jaxyn Baker
Korbyn Baker
Soccer Shots Coach of the Year – Ty Stitt
Join us in celebrating Oklahoma Celtic’s own – Ty Stitt. Ty currently coaches in our Junior Academy and Academy Programs.
Each year, Soccer Shots recognizes one coach who goes above and beyond in delivering an outstanding experience for children and families. The Coach of the Year Award celebrates excellence in coaching, leadership, professionalism, and the positive impact made both on and off the field.
A huge congratulations to Ty Stitt for earning this incredible honor for the Oklahoma City Area!
Congratulations, Coach Ty!
The Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPS)
TOPS provides children with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities an opportunity to play soccer in a safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. Players will work alongside Celtic families and volunteers through fun, engaging activities.
Fall 2026 Dates: September 20, September 27 & October 4
Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Location: NYSA Field 12, 1001 E Robinson St., Norman, OK
Cost: FREE, including a T-shirt
We’re always looking for volunteers! Volunteers can contact Jessica Knehans at jessica@oklahomaceltic.com for more information.
Register Now: https://system.gotsport.com/programs/451J42214
Welcome Back, Techne!
We’re excited to welcome the Techne Futbol App back to Oklahoma Celtic!
This season, all Academy and U11/U12 Competitive players will receive access to Techne as part of their player development experience.
For U13 and older Competitive players, access is available upon request. If you would like access, please reach out to your coach/director.
What is Techne?
Techne is a soccer training app designed to help players develop their technical skills through purposeful, individual practice.
Weather Policies
Thank you to all of our Academy and Competitive families for your patience and understanding as we navigate the recent heat and weather conditions.
Player safety is always our top priority. We monitor conditions closely and make practice adjustments, delays, or cancellations when necessary.
You’ll find all our club policies, including weather, here: https://oklahomaceltic.com/resources/club-policies/
Private training opportunities with our new Academy coach, Peterson Neri!
Joga Bonito Soccer Academy
Joga Bonito means “play beautifully”—and that’s the foundation of this player-development program.
Joga Bonito Soccer Academy helps young players build confidence, technical ability, game IQ, and decision-making skills through focused, individualized training. Sessions complement a player’s current club team and focus on not only how to execute a skill, but when and why to use it.
Small-group training: Maximum 6 players
Private 1-on-1 training
Training tailored to each player’s age and development
Free trial available for new players
Led by Peterson Neri, a Brazilian coach with collegiate and professional playing experience and 10+ years of coaching experience, Joga Bonito brings a passion for technical development and a love for the game to every session.
For more information, visit https://www.jogabonito-socceracademy.com/
Need soccer cleats for your kiddos?
Jessica Knehans, our Recreational Director, will host a FREE Cleat Night on September 9 from 5 – 8 PM at our office located by field 7: 1001 E.Robinson Street, Norman, OK 73071
Stop by and find a pair of cleats that fits your player—and we’ll also have FREE soccer socks available!
Have gently used cleats your player has outgrown? We’d love to pass them along to another Celtic family. You can drop them off at our office Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
The Oklahoma Celtic Breakaway – November 7th at 9am.
The Breakaway is the start of a new annual Norman tradition built around movement, community, and purpose. Each year, runners, families, and supporters come together to celebrate wellness while supporting the Oklahoma Celtic player scholarship fund and a featured community initiative.
Whether you’re racing, jogging, or walking, every mile makes an impact. The Breakaway is where tradition begins.
Please sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/OK/Norman/OklahomaCelticBreakaway
2026 Community Cause
This year, a percentage of proceeds will support Oklahoma Celtic alumnus Jack Coleman (Celtic 93). Jack is a deeply respected cyclist, outdoorsman, and former Duke University soccer player whose impact stretches across Norman, Oklahoma, and his college community.
In December 2025, while visiting family in Norman, Jack experienced a life‑altering event that prompted his family and friends to launch a widespread support effort, including a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Jack Recover and Support His Family” to assist with extensive medical and rehabilitation expenses. By participating in the Breakaway, runners directly contribute to Jack’s recovery journey and help lift a member of our Celtic family when he needs it most.