Killie Trust
Welcome to the first update of 2024.
With both the Trust and the Club now circulating information on a much more regular basis, and opportunities for members to join regular Trust online forums, it was felt that quarterly updates are more appropriate.
With the January transfer window now closed, the squad which will take us through to the end of the season is in place. The deadline day signing of Kevin Van Veen joins Greg Stewart, who has made a welcome return to Killie, and James Balagizi on loan from Liverpool. These signings underline the commitment the Board has to take the Club forward and is testament to Manager Derek McInnes and Head of Recruitment Russ Richardson being able to attract players to Killie in the face of competition from others.
Jack Sanders has gone out on loan to Ayr United until the end of the season, while Kian Leslie’s loan at Clyde has been continued. Bobby Wales has also rejoined Alloa Athletic on loan, Ruari Ellis has gone on loan to Cumnock Juniors, Corey Armour is loaned to Maybole Juniors while Aiden Glavin continues at Auchinleck Talbot.
Due to an injury to Will Dennis, Mark Birighitti was brought in on a short emergency loan for cover. Brad Lyons, Kyle Magennis and Robbie Deas are recovering from injuries.
A vital late win in midweek against Livingston maintained 4th position in the league and we now look forward to the next round of the Scottish Cup when we will play Cove Rangers tomorrow.
The Women’s first team is currently well placed and hoping for a play-off spot in SWPL 2, with a number of young players coming through from the Girls Academy, which has now been brought fully into the Club. The Girls’ Academy will participate in the new SFA Elite Talent Development Environment (TDE) programme.
Club Director Phyllis McLeish has joined the SWPL Board, which gives a voice at the top table. Gregg McEwan, General Manager has been appointed to the SPFL Competitions Working Group and Club Secretary, Karen Costello joins the SPFL Rules and Regulations Working Group.
The men’s under-eighteens, managed by Chris Burke, continue to perform strongly and currently sit top of the CAS Elite League after an excellent win against Rangers last night in trying conditions.
Good news also that our young players Cole Burke and Lucie Burns have again been called up to Scotland squads.
The Young Player Wellbeing programme, which is being piloted by Care Visions, has been extended to the Women’s team and Girls Academy, in what is believed to be a first in Scotland.
I would encourage Trust members to come along to Women’s and under 18 matches if you can, to see the developing talent that the Trust is helping fund and show the players support.
The recent Club Board meeting had reports from Company Secretary Graeme Bryson and General Manager Gregg McEwan. The Board discussed Finance and Budget, looking ahead to next season and the likely costs.
The two Business Breakfasts which have been held were very successful, with both current sponsors and partners attending along with a number of local businesses. As well as hearing from speakers Billy Bowie and Roddy Frew, there was a good opportunity for networking. The new Club Business App was launched which will allow businesses to connect with each other and the Club. If anyone is interested in participating, please contact Robert Dykes - [email protected]
The training centre application is still with East Ayrshire Council, and there was discussion around the pitch returning to grass and the financing of this. With fans previously having suggested ways to contribute to this cost, including via the Trust, further discussions will take place on how to enable this to happen.
Arrangements for the Club AGM are being progressed and notifications will be issued to shareholders within the required timescale.
The club have been made aware that progress is being made on the formation of a testimonial committee for Rory McKenzie. More news will follow in due course.
Raymond Montgomerie and Allen Kyle have joined the Hall of Fame Committee which considers new inductees.
The Club Ladies Day will be held on 16th March 2024. Tickets are available from [email protected]
Key points from the Commercial Report for Oct - Dec 2023 were:
Following the departure of Andy Fitzsimmons to Newcastle Utd, Lochlin Highet joined the Club in January as Media Officer. Lochlin is well known to the Club from his previous role at the Kilmarnock Standard, as well as being a lifelong Killie fan!
His first few weeks have been a busy time working with Videographer Scott Symington, with plenty to update fans on incoming players and match reporting!
Lochlin is also working on updating the Club website. Work is under way to revamp the Killie TV offering and more details will be announced in due course.
The Club is grateful for the commitment to young player development shown by Trust members through the revamped Killie Futures Fund.
The upfront investment of £20,000 was transferred to the Club, and has been followed by an additional £4,400, the first of the agreed monthly payments. These monthly payments are based on 70% of monthly income received from Trust members through the Killie Futures Fund, with the remaining 30% available for investing in other ways.
The Club has taken a number of steps to support young players, including establishing shared accommodation for some academy players, and Trust funding has also supported purchasing of equipment, including performance analysis for girls’ academy and kitbags for women’s team.
You can make a regular or one-off contribution to the Killie Futures Fund HERE:
Academy Manager Paul di Giacomo is keen for academy boys to have as many opportunities as possible to experience football in different environments. For the older academy youths, this can mean loan spells, and for the younger players the chance to participate in various tournaments. This year, our under 13's team will travel to the NI Supercup and work is under way to finance that trip, with input from Club and parents. The Trust has already received a generous donation specifically towards this and will look to other ways to provide financial support, while KFCSA who also contributed last year, have done so again.
The Trust AGM took place in December, and meetings of the Trust Board continue to take place each month. The Trust Board continued to review its purpose and mission, and has agreed key priorities for the year ahead, including increasing reach and membership, promoting the Killie Futures Fund with a view to increased investment in the Next Generation, completing current projects (including handrails) and looking for future ways to invest in the club.
The Trust will also work to ensure that we are adding value as partners, and not duplicating areas covered by eg Killie Community, Supporters Association etc.
The process is continuing to select the next Trust Club Director, and the Club will meet with candidates in the near future.
A meeting has taken place with Killie Community to plan for running of our Moffat Stand Fanzone and how Trust volunteers can assist.
The Junior Trust numbers have risen rapidly, with the mascot opportunities being very popular. The recent addition of the Junior Trust Player of the Month has also given another chance for young people to engage.
The Christmas party for younger children and the Hampden trip for the older Junior Trust members were well attended. The Trust has been working with other clubs on reciprocal arrangements for ticketing and putting on away buses where possible.
Schools Supporters Groups are looked after by Youth Ambassador Charlie Adams, and the Club is grateful to the young people who stay behind after matches to help tidy the stadium. Charlie also worked with the Trust on a Futsal Tournament, and discussion has taken place with Killie Community on how these initiatives can be expanded alongside the work they are doing in schools.
The next Trust members Online Forum will take place on 13 February 2024.
The Trust plans to host an On Board in Person event with Academy Manager Paul di Giacomo and Women’s Development Manager Jim Chapman and details will be circulated when confirmed.
We were pleased to have confirmed that the funding bid made to SFA for creation of community pitch behind the Moffat Stand was approved. The £50k funding agreed by Trust members to help the Club with match funding has now been transferred to the Club. Discussions are underway with architects to finalise the plans.
Work has also continued on the Community Hub building in Rugby Road. Externally the building has been cleaned up and new signage in place, while internal works have included repainting of the former gym area, which has now been floored with astroturf, allowing it to be used for a variety of activities. We are grateful to the businesses whose apprentices helped with the work in the Community Hub. We are now looking at securing funding to replace the heating boiler with a more environmentally friendly system.
The former “studio” can serve as a multi-use space for meetings and events and proved invaluable for arranging the ‘Mission Christmas’ parcel distribution! This saw hundreds of Christmas hampers delivered to families in East Ayrshire, and thanks to the generosity of Killie Community Trustees, staff, and Killie Trust Board members, we were able to provide an increased number of “Secret Santa” Christmas gifts to local care leavers and care experienced young people.
With the annual Bring a Gift Appeal organised by KFCSA also collecting hundreds of toys and gifts for local children and teenagers, it was a fantastic effort to help our local community.
Killie Community is now running a wide range of programmes both at the stadium and other venues, as well as activities in schools and for young people at risk of offending / school exclusion. In addition to programmes for children, work is also being done with adults supporting healthier lifestyles and fitness for men and women, work with the recovery community and also targeted programmes including for survivors of prostate cancer, and the Football memories group.
The Minister for Public Health and Sport visited on 31 January and spoke to participants attending the ‘Walk and Talk’ and ‘Killie Get Together’ sessions, as well as seeing the progress being made on the Community Hub and hearing from Jordan Allison and myself about future plans to expand the Club’s community work.
The ‘Walk and Talk’ takes place every Wednesday from 1pm - 3pm. No need to book, just meet at Moffat Stand gates.
The ‘Killie Get Together’ is on Wednesdays between 3pm and 5pm in Champions Lounge. No need to book, just turn up for tea, coffee, a bite to eat and a chat!
The full range of Killie Community activities and programmes are regularly promoted on social media.
More information on Killie Community is also available HERE:
In addition to the Bring a Gift collection, the Supporters Association held a very successful event featuring speakers Jim Leishman and George McNeill, which raised funds for the youth academy NI Supercup participation.
The KFCSA Player of the Year dinner will be held in the Park Hotel on 6th April 2024. Tickets are available from Committee members or by contacting [email protected]
The Child Wellbeing and Protection Group held its quarterly meeting on 24 January and had a report back from Peter Irons CWPO on his activities, and the latest information from SFA. I reported on a webinar I attended organised by ECA / UEFA on child protection and wellbeing, which provided inputs from Inter Milan and AC Bilbao.
While we can say that our policies and procedures are compliant and thorough, there are areas where we can improve to simplify presentation and communication, and that will be a focus for the group.
I also participated in a Disclosure Scotland webinar organised on the Duty to Report.
If anyone would like more information and / material from these webinars, please let me know.
SLO Allen Kyle provides information for supporters ahead of all home and away matches as well as making himself available to pick up on issues from fans. Allen recently completed the UEFA Supporter Liaison Officer Education programme run by UEFA Academy and Football Supporters Europe.
I have updated below information on questions which have asked of me, and which may be useful! There is also a wealth of information on the Club website, and social media channels.
How do I join the Killie Trust?
Information is available HERE
How do young people sign up for the Junior Trust?
Membership of the Junior Squirrels is open to young people from birth to 12 years, and teens can join the Junior Trust.
More information on Junior Trust is available HERE and joining information HERE
What is the Killie Futures Fund / Next Generation project?
The Killie Futures Fund has replaced Trust in Killie (TiK) as the fund which members and fans can donate to, which allows the Trust to invest in the club and receive shares, including providing equipment. KFF is now investing a monthly sum in the club, based on donations from members, which is being used to support the Next Generation of young players. More information and how to donate HERE
What is the difference between the Killie Trust and Killie Community (previously known as Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust or KCST)?
The Killie Trust is the membership organisation which fans can join, and which raises funds to invest in the club, with members having a say on this and on the election of a Trust Club director.
The Killie Community is a registered charity which provides a range of activities and projects to benefit the wider community, in association with Kilmarnock Football Club.
How do I get a mascot place for a child?
The Killie Trust has volunteers who operate the mascot scheme for the Club. Members of the Junior Trust who are of an appropriate age are entered into a draw for the chance to picked (at no cost) to be a men’s first team match day mascot. A number of paid for places are also made available, and occasionally places may be auctioned to raise funds club projects. Mascots are given a tour of the stadium, usually on the eve of matches.
At present all paid for places are allocated for this season, but more places may become available depending on Cup draws / post-split matches.
For more information, please contact the Trust directly by emai - [email protected] with MASCOT as the subject heading.
How can a boys/girls club or community group get free match tickets?
These tickets are made available via Killie Community, and there is a simple online form to request them which can be found HERE:
How do I get a shout out / mention at halftime?
Email: [email protected] with details of the message you want relayed
Will the Club / Trust give donations to charities?
The Charity partnership between the Club and Crosshouse Children’s Fund is now in its final season, and a new partnership with Ayrshire Cancer Support was recently launched. The Club works with its Charity partners and our own Killie Community Charity on fundraising initiatives.
The Club does not make donations to other charities, however if a charity wishes to have a prize ( normally matchday tickets) to help with their own fundraising, this can be requested via the ticketing team or by getting in touch with me, [email protected]
The Killie Trust’s purpose is primarily to invest in the Club and while it can support community initiatives in partnership with the Club and Killie Community, it does not make grants or donations to external organisations
Who do I contact about the memorial garden?
Club Ambassador Raymond Montgomery can assist with plaques and memorial services, in conjunction with club chaplain Rev. James McNay.
Contact: [email protected]
Who do I contact about advertising, player sponsorship and the Business Club?
The Commercial team deals with these, with Club Ambassador Raymond Montgomerie and Sales and Business Development Executive Robert Dykes available to assist:-
Who do I contact about match day hospitality or hiring out 1869 suite?
Enquiries can be made to [email protected]
How can shares in the club be bought?
Anyone wishing to purchase shares in the Club must contact the Company Secretary Graeme Bryson. [email protected]
When is the shop open?
Normal opening times are:
Please check website for latest information on all matters connected with the shop HERE.
How do I get match tickets?
Arrangements for tickets vary depending on the match. Information is shared on Club website HERE and social media channels.
If you require assistance with ticketing, please contact the team on 01563 545311or by email [email protected]
Killie Trust
Our policy relating to data collection and privacy has fairness at its heart and is never intended to cause objection or complaint and to that end if there is any dubiety we will not store your information. As a business we wish to stay in communication with your and keep you up to date with news, offers and updates on our product which you may find of interest, but we will only do this with your clear and specific consent.
Standard Privacy Policy
This privacy policy sets out how KILLIE TRUST uses and protects any information that you give KILLIE TRUST when you use this website.
KILLIE TRUST is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.
KILLIE TRUST may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 13th Jun 2018
Security
We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. To prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online and offline.
Where we collect this information
As a business we collect data for a number of sources, but our data policy applies to all of the following including personal data collected at reception, check in, exhibitions, on and off-line competitions, guest questionnaires, online bookings, online communications, digital newsletter sign ups from websites and social media, shared promotions with partners and others not listed.
We confirm that unless specific consent is given by the user the information shared will not be stored beyond the purpose intended. If specific consent is given to use the information collected it will be stored securely and digitally encrypted and password protected.
How we use cookies
A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.
We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data, using Google Analytics normally but on occasion other aggregation tools that advise us about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.
Controlling your personal information
You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
ââ whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
ââ if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us or by clicking unsubscribe where available.
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting only if you specifically consent to us that you wish this to happen.
We undertake that third parties will only include businesses that support our business and your stay such as travel providers, visitor attractions, event providers and others directly related to our business offering.
If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us [email protected] as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.
Our Website and In House Data Collection Policy
Our email collection policy is fully consent based and in entering your details clear consent is given by the user to receive future marketing materials from ourselves. The following information makes clear our policy on use of consent based email marketing and communications.
What we collect
We may collect the following information on a consent only basis:
ââ name and job title
ââ contact information including email address
ââ demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
ââ other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers
What we do with the information we gather
The majority of the information we gather is required for contractual and legal purposes and to allow us to offer products and services as purchased.
When consent is given to use the information for marketing and communication purposes it is used for the following reasons:
ââ We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
ââ From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you using your provided email address for market research purposes.
Your information will never be shared with any third parties and at all times you have the right to unsubscribe permanently from our database with a simple click of the unsubscribe information at which time your details will be deleted from the mailing lists and removed from the database permanently with no archived records retained.
Killie Trust
Your use of the Killie Trust Web Site is subject to these terms and by using the Site you show your agreement to such terms. If you do not accept our terms, please do not use the Web Site.
This Web Site belongs to Killie Trust.
Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.
The images, logos and names on this Web Site which identify Killie Trust or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of Killie Trust and/or the relevant third parties. Nothing contained in this Web Site shall be deemed to confer on any person any license or right on the part of Killie Trust or any third party with respect to any such image, logo or name.
Killie Trust reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to remove or cease to supply any product or service contained on this Web Site. In the event that such removal takes place we shall not be liable to you in any way whatsoever for such removal.
Telephone calls using the telephone numbers provided on this Web Site and email correspondence with Killie Trust at the email addresses accessible through, or discernible from, this Web Site may be recorded or monitored. By using such communication methods you are consenting to the recording or monitoring of the same.
The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.
This Web Site is for non-commercial, personal use only. The services contained on this Web Site may be supplied on a commercial basis on payment to Killie Trust or its service or product suppliers of its charges from time to time.
In the event that you use any of the services contained on this Web Site for commercial use, Killie Trust shall be entitled to charge you at its applicable rates in respect of such commercial use.
The copyright in the material contained in this Web Site belongs to Killie Trust or its licensed source. Any person may copy any part of this material, subject to the following conditions:
the material may not be used for commercial purposes;
the copies must retain any copyrights or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material;
the products and technology or processes described in this Web Site may be subject to other intellectual property rights reserved by Killie Trust or by other third parties with no license granted in respect of those intellectual property rights); images on this Web Site are protected by copyright as its text by IPR and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without the written permission of their respective owner(s).
We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time by posting changes on the Web Site. It is your responsibility to review the Web Site terms and conditions to ensure you are aware of the latest terms and conditions. Your use of this Web Site after a change has been posted will be deemed to signify your acceptance of the modified terms and conditions. We recommend that you print off and retain for your records a copy of these terms and conditions from time to time and a copy of any terms and conditions relating to any product or service which you apply for online, together with any related application form completed and submitted.
Any amendment to terms and conditions must be agreed in writing by us, or, if appropriate, by the relevant company or individual supplier with whom you contract.
Whilst Killie Trust has taken due care and attention in the preparation of the contents of this Web Site, this Web Site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos, icons regarding or relating to Killie Trust or our products and services marketed on the site (or to third party products and services), are provided on an 'as is' basis without any representation or endorsement being made and without any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.
To the extent permitted by law, all such terms and warranties are hereby excluded. In no event will Killie Trust be liable, whether in contract or tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any losses sustained and arising out of or in connection with use of this Web Site including, without limitation, loss of profits, loss of data or loss of goodwill (in all these cases whether direct or indirect) nor any indirect, economic, consequential or special loss.
Killie Trust does not represent that the information contained in this Web Site is accurate, comprehensive, verified or complete, and shall accept no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Web Site or for any reliance placed by any person on the information.
Killie Trust does not warrant that the functions or materials accessible from or contained in this Web Site will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that this Web Site or the server that makes it available are virus or bug free or represent the full functionality, accuracy, reliability of the materials.
If any of these Terms and Conditions (or any terms and conditions relating to a product or service referred to in this Web Site) should be determined to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by reason of the laws of any state or country in which such terms and conditions are intended to be effective, then to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, and in relation to such state or country only, such terms or condition shall be deleted and severed from the rest of the relevant terms and conditions and the remaining terms and conditions shall survive, remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude Killie Trust's liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence of Killie Trust.
All Intellectual Property Rights (including, without limitation, all database rights, rights in designs, rights in know-how, patents and rights in inventions (in all cases whether registered or unregistered and including all rights to apply for registration) and all other intellectual or industrial property rights in any jurisdiction) in any information, content, materials, data or processes contained in or to this Web Site belong to Killie Trust or its licensed source. All rights of Killie Trust in such Intellectual Property Rights are hereby reserved.
Killie Trust makes no representation that any product or service referred to on or through the Web Site is appropriate for use, or available in other locations. The information and other materials contained in this Web Site may not satisfy the laws of any other country and those who choose to access this Site from other locations are responsible for compliance with local laws if and to the extent local laws are applicable.
These Terms and Conditions and any terms and conditions relating to products or services described in this Web Site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland. Disputes arising in relation to the same shall, unless otherwise expressly agreed, be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland.
Certain (hypertext) links, advertisements or suppliers promotion will lead you to Web Sites that are not under the control of Killie Trust. When you activate any of these links, you will leave Killie Trust Web Site by opening a new window and we have no control over and will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of the material on any such other Web Site. By allowing links with third party Web Sites Killie Trust does not intend to solicit business or offer any security to any person in any country, directly or indirectly.
Every effort will be made to carry out the contract but its due performance is subject to cancellation by Killie Trust or to such variation as we may find necessary as a result of inability to secure labour, materials or supplies or as a result of any act of God, War, Strike, Lockout or other labour dispute, Fire, Flood, Drought, Legislation, or other cause (whether of the foregoing class or not) beyond the sellers control.
Killie Trust
We have tried to make this website as accessible as possible and easy to use for everyone, regardless of circumstance or ability.
All our page templates comply with the WCAG Priority 2 checkpoints as a minimum requirement. And we make every effort to ensure that all the content on our site meets this standard too. We are making every effort to ensure that we don't exclude any users. For example:
We try to publish all our text content as accessible HTML rather than in other formats such as PDF. Where we do publish PDFs or other formats our policy is to make them as accessible as we can.
