Celtic Newsletter – MAY

Oklahoma Celtic Football ClubCeltic Newsletter – MAY

Oklahoma Celtic Football Club

Newsletter MAY

Oklahoma Celtic Family,

As we wrap up another spring season, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible commitment shown by our families across the club. From our recreational and academy programs to our competitive teams, the support, dedication, and passion for our players continue to make a lasting impact throughout our community.

As many teams begin closing out their seasons, I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributes to making our club such a special place. The time, energy, and encouragement shown on and off the field are what help create a positive experience for all of our players.

Our leadership team is proud of what each program has accomplished this spring, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum in the months ahead.

Ryan Trudgian

Executive Director

Looking Back!

OSA State Cup & Presidents Cup

Oklahoma Soccer Association brought the State Cup, President’s Cup, and Grassroots Tournament to Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex.

Congratulations to all the teams that competed, and best of luck to the teams that qualified for the regional tournament!

Junior Academy Program – U6

Our Junior Academy Program wrapped up its first season this spring, and the feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive. One parent shared, “The coaches were so fun and interactive. All kids enjoyed practices.”

We are excited about the future of the program and look forward to continuing its growth this Fall. For more information about the Junior Academy Program please visit: oklahomaceltic.com/programs/junior-academy/

Girls Academy Town Hall Meeting

 

Representatives from the Girls Academy leadership team traveled to town to present at our town hall meeting at the end of April. Meghan Frey and Tina Banham spoke in depth about what the GA entails and the opportunities it provides for our girls program.

 

The Girls Academy is a top-tier platform in the country that offers female players pathways to high-level competition, player development, and college and professional exposure.

For more information about the Girls Academy, please visit: Girls Academy

Competitive Senior Day
We recently celebrated our Club Senior Day. It was a special day shared with families, teammates, coaches, and our club community.

To our seniors: thank you for your hard work, dedication, and passion throughout the years. You’ve made a lasting impact on our club, and you will truly be missed.

We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for what’s ahead. Once Celtic, always Celtic!

US Soccer Coaching Courses at Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex
Through US Club Soccer, the National U.S. Soccer B & C Coaching License Courses were hosted at Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex at the start of May. We are grateful for our partnership with Moore Norman Technology Center, which provided an outstanding classroom space for the B License course.
Olympic Development Program (ODP)

 

Congrats to the following players that have been selected to represent Celtic & Oklahoma at the ODP South Intra-Regionals in Murfreesboro, TN this June!

 

Porter Hunter

JD Mick

Kinsley Weston

Elle Robertson

Ellianna Wheeler

Nene Randolph

Good luck, and well done!

College Commitments

In the last newsletter we shared our college commitments. Congrats to the additional players committing to play college ball this Fall:

Drew Park – University of Montevallo Falcons

Justin Echeverria – Southern Nazarene University

George Jankowski – McPherson College

Skylar Lipscomb – McPherson College

Steven Stout – Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bella Wood – University of Central Oklahoma

Alden Harrington – University of Central Oklahoma

Cadyn Betencourt – University of Central Oklahoma

5th Anniversary

Randy Laffoon Golf Tournament

The club hosted the Randy Laffoon Memorial Golf Tournament. A big thank you to The Trails Golf Club for hosting our players, families, and sponsors for a great day on the course. The event was filled with fun, community, and great golf, finishing with an exciting raffle to wrap up the day.

Special mention to Trevor Laffoon for organizing such a memorable event and helping make it a success for everyone involved!

The Celtic Huddle Podcast & Boy’s Information Zoom

If you have not watched, I want to invite you to watch our latest episode of The Celtic Huddle. In the episode, we cover:

  • A quick update on the upcoming age group change
  • New league platforms, including Girls Academy (GA) and National 1 League opportunities
  • Our 2026–2027 coaching slate
  • ID Sessions and Tryout details
  • Listener questions, including insight into the team placement process

Click here for Episode 3

Click here for the Competitive Boy’s Information Zoom

Coach Geo Claros

It is sad to announce that Geo Claros will be leaving the club after 26 years of dedicated service to our competitive programming. Words cannot fully express the time, passion, and effort he has poured into mentoring players and helping grow our club over the years.

Geo’s impact on our players, families, coaches, and the entire community has been truly special. His commitment to developing young athletes and building relationships will leave a lasting legacy at our club.

We are incredibly thankful for everything Geo has given to Oklahoma Celtic and wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.

What’s ahead!

Competitive ID Sessions & Tryouts

The final competitive ID Session date – May 28. For more info, CLICK HERE

Competitive Tryouts – June 6 – 9. For more info, CLICK HERE

Additional Goalkeeper Evaluation – June 5

Summer Event Opportunities

Recreational Camp 1 – June 1 – 4

Striker/Keeper Camp – June 29 – July 2 (May 20 is the last day for the discounted price)

Oklahoma Family Dentistry Summerfest Series (3v3/5v5 tournament) – July 17

Recreational Camp 2 – July 27 – 30

Boy’s Competitive Town Hall Meeting – 7 PM, May 21, at Sarkeys Foundation

Location: 530 E Main Street, Norman, OK 73071

Here, we will discuss in more detail the upcoming boys program with additional information from the zoom.

Academy Program Registration Open for the Fall 26/Spring 27

CLUB NIGHT – June 12

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY

@ The Standard in Norman

315 E Gray St, Norman, OK 73069

7-9pm (10% back to Celtic)

*USA vs Panama

kickoff at 8pm

EVERYONE COME IN YOUR USA or CELTIC GEAR and watch USA vs Panama

Check out our World Cup Bracket Challenge!

This link will take you to our group

https://play.fifa.com/bracket-predictor/join-league/2BFE7B1C

$25 per bracket entry (as many entries as you’d like)

*once entered, we will send Venmo request

*or you can Venmo @oklahomaceltic

1st place- 2026/2027 jerseys paid for

2nd place- $250 for soccer.com

3rd place- $150 for soccer.com

BOOK ON COURTRESERVE HERE

OKC ULTIMATE FRISBEE SUMMER LEAGUE @Gillis-Rother Soccer Complex

Youth Summer Ultimate Frisbee League 2026 registration is OPEN!

What: This is our first year offering a youth Summer League at Griffin Park in Norman. The league is open to ages 10-16 and all ages and genders will play together.

Registration: Cost is $15 which gets your child entry into the league and a youth ultimate disc. The last day to register is June 1.

REGISTER HERE

CELTIC ANNUAL DICK’S COUPON

These coupons are available throughout the year.

Please CLICK HERE for the coupons