ANOTHER BHOY FROM BRASIL

Former Rio Celtic youngster, Patrick de Paul, hits the heights with Palmeiras

- Patrick de Paul

BACK in the noughties, a group of Celtic fans formed the Rio Fergus McCann Celtic Supporters’ Club in Rio de Janeiro. Through the economic boom and bust that followed, the group met to watch Celtic games and talk of their heroes.

Aside from socialising the CSC did what Celtic fans the world over do in raising money for local causes. In the main, money was used to support children’s football teams in the poor neighbourhood of Santa Margarida.

The CSC donated football strips and training equipment as well as financial donations to pay for pitch rental, bus hire for away games and other costs. The teams have been successful in winning several titles over the years and donations flooded in from across the globe, including strips from Celtic FC Foundation.

Although the group are now scattered across the world, they have maintained contact through social media. Presidents Jim and Drew organised sweeps and meet ups to raise funds to continue the work with the Rio Celtic Boys’ teams.

The coach Gerson, a former Flamengo player, has maintained the five teams covering ages nine to 17. Drew said: “We wanted to keep the friendships going, and to continue to help Gerson in his work with the teams.” While Jim added: “It’s a story which is probably well known to regular View readers, who’ve seen a few ‘Bhoys from Brasil’ articles over the years. However, now there’s a new twist in the story.