On the heels of the Abington Senior High School boys’ first-ever PIAA AAAA State Championship, and with the FIFA World Cup coming to Philadelphia in June 2026, soccer fever in the area is running at an all-time high.

And coming off fall soccer season, there’s no better way for kids to hone their skills or begin to learn the sport than with Glenside Celtic Winter Academy, an eight-week indoor soccer training which runs from January 5 – February 27 at Temple University Ambler and the Center School in Roslyn. The Academy will be led by Coach Joel and Coach Siafa from Fuel Tech Soccer.

“When we look at the cycle of player development, we know fall is the heavy work of our soccer program. We are also big on multi sport athletes playing in-season sports,” said Tom Clark, Director of Coaching, Glenside Celtic Soccer Club.

“The Glenside Celtic Winter Academy allows our players to work with professional trainers to develop ball mastery skills using futsal training [a specialized training regimen] in a fun non-competitive environment that focuses on individual improvement,” added Clark. “The benefits of the Academy are seen when we land back on the grass in the spring for tryouts and beyond. We put a lot of effort into not only soccer player development but holistic athletic development, which also benefits all kids in all sports, including those who participate in our brother/sister Glenside Gaelic Club. Ultimately, we look to have fun and develop good teammates and responsible individuals on and off the field.”

Glenside Celtic Winter Academy will feature Coach Joel from Fuel Tech Soccer, an experienced soccer training organization. Each team will train one night a week for one hour.

If you are interested in learning more about Glenside Celtic Winter Academy, please email Tom Clark at coaching@glensideceltic.com.

Glenside Celtic is also preparing for a U.S. Youth Soccer age change that will affect all clubs across the U.S. In 2026, new age groups will group players born August 1 – July 31, which is intended to better align with a player’s grade in school (versus birth year, which was the previous criteria). Glenside Celtic has been working with coaches, players and parents to educate and accommodate the upcoming change, and welcomes new girls and boys who are interested in learning soccer or joining from another club.

“Glenside Celtic’s Pure Age Committee met several times this fall to review player and team data and plan for how the change to ‘Pure Age’ will impact players, teams, and families,” said Molly Farley, President, Glenside Celtic Soccer Club. “With a focus on player development and community, we are working with parents and coaches to determine the best placements for all current and new players who we look forward to welcoming!”

Player evaluations and tryouts for Fall 2026 will be held April 11 and April 18.

To learn more about Glenside Celtic Soccer or the Glenside Celtic Winter Academy, you can visit www.glensideceltic.com or email Tom Clark at coaching@glensideceltic.com. The club welcomes boys and girls ages 8-15 who may be interested in learning the game or enhancing their soccer development and skills.

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