Killie TrustKillie Trust

    Killie Trust

    October 2020

    Join Opt Out
    Join Renew

    Join Opt Out
    Join Renew

    Dear Killie Trust member,

    With so much going on since my last report, I have combined information from September and October to date. I hope that the information will be of interest to you, especially as we are still in uncertain times. I would once again like to thank you for your continued support to Kilmarnock FC.  All of the Directors appreciate the contributions made by fans whether through ‘Trust in Killie’, share purchase, buying items from the shop, Season Passes and PPV, visiting the Killie Club or supporting the team virtually on match days!

    While the players are 100% professional and get on with the job, matches without fans loses the atmosphere and sense of community that we all feel around KFC. With current Covid restrictions in place it is more difficult to engage in the way we would like, but we are trying to ensure that we do as much as we can to keep everyone updated. It is a challenging time financially for football and we have had to take some difficult decisions, but we have done so with the best long-term interests of the Club at heart. As always, if there are specific questions, please get in touch! 

    Covid-19 and impact on the Club

     

    The impact of Covid-19 has really hit home at the Club in the past few weeks, with a number of players having tested positive. Initially, this led to the postponement of the match against Motherwell, as Health Protection Scotland decided that the whole first team squad should self-isolate.  A Betfred Cup match was then forfeited, with a second Betfred Cup match having a team with a number of our under-18 players included.

    As there is a live investigation under way by SPFL into the circumstances surrounding the outbreak, I cannot go into full details as the matter is with our lawyers. However, I can say that the Club co-operated fully with the SPFL and Health Authorities and we are glad that the affected players are safe and well. It was unfortunate that some unfounded rumour and speculation appeared on social media, and I am aware that many fans were concerned by the discussions that took place in the media about potential sanctions, before the investigation has been concluded. 

    In his press briefing, Manager Alex Dyer made the very valid point that, with the virus prevalent in the community, football is not immune, and it is not the case that everyone who contracts coronavirus has done something wrong – we are all potentially vulnerable in our everyday lives, as many of us know having lost family and friends.

    The Club has now undertaken two deep cleans at the stadium. Environmental Health has made a number of visits and we continue to monitor all procedures to reduce the level of risk as much as possible. 

    While the Health Authority had no issue with the Killie Club remaining open at the time of the outbreak, it was subsequently closed due to the restrictions imposed by Scottish Government, as it does not meet the criteria to be considered a ‘café’.

    In my last report I was optimistic that we might see a limited number of fans returning as lockdown eased, and we had hoped we might see some movement on this during October.  However, despite some test events taking place at SPFL Clubs, the present restrictions have made that look less likely. Discussions are ongoing between SPFL and Scottish Government and with the safety measures we have put in - including the sanitising equipment bought by The Killie Trust - we will be prepared when given the go ahead.

    Football Department

     

    First Team

    After some tricky matches, it has been great to see a better run of results for the team, and a rise up the league table to 5th place. The result away to Livingston was particularly pleasing given the short space of time the team had to prepare after returning from self-isolation.

    The Manager had to make the tough judgement call regarding the Betfred cup match against Falkirk and came to the conclusion that it would not be correct to field a team of entirely youth players. This was backed by the Board and the Club issued a statement explaining the rationale.

    The match against Dunfermline saw the return of several first team players, who took to the field with under-18s. Although losing the match, there were some promising performances from the youths, which bodes well for the future.

    Kyle Connell has joined Airdrie on loan until January and development player Keir Russell will spend time at Spartans, also on loan.
     
    Youth Academy 

    Everyone connected with the Academy is delighted to have the partnership with The Killie Trust. Academy Director Paul McDonald describes this as “a fantastic opportunity for both organisations to work together sharing ideas helping to support youth development and produce home grown talent, both of us working towards one goal of ‘Making Kilmarnock FC Academy a High Performance Environment.’”
     
    The Academy has faced a number of challenges due to Covid restrictions. Having returned in early August, it is not yet operating in a full-time capacity.
     
    13 new players were welcomed into S1 at the School of Football at Kilmarnock Academy, giving us a total of 20 S1 & S2 players. Paul McDonald reports that the feedback has been incredible from the school staff, the families and also the young players and that they will be delivering a Presentation to our 3rd Year intake shortly, which will increase our programme to around 30 players or more.
     
    The Academy Games Programme has been paused for a couple of weeks due to travel restrictions. But it is hoped this will recommence shortly.
     
    As Academy Director, Paul also said how proud he was of how our young players rose to an extremely difficult challenge against a very strong and experienced Dunfermline team. We had nine academy players making their debuts, some of whom he has worked with since they were nine and ten years of age. Added to the sale of our under-18 player Liam Smith to Manchester City recently, Paul believes this will show our supporters that we have some extremely talented young players in the building, who staff in the Academy firmly believe in. With more hard work and opportunity they will hopefully represent this club more regularly in the future. Paul also extended a big thanks to the senior players who guided them through, saying that they are a credit to our club.
     
    Finally, Paul is still hopeful that our under-18 youth team are granted the opportunity to play the outstanding Scottish Cup Final!
     
     
    Kilmarnock Ladies FC
     
    The first team season has now started, and we are looking at what we can do to support the team on matchdays, to ensure that they get coverage. There are also opportunities to sponsor individual players. This can be a huge help, for example by covering the costs of boots and kit, bearing in mind that the players are not paid, and are trying to balance football with work or study. If anyone is interested in helping out with this, please get in touch. More information on the squad is available on the Club website.

    Academy graduate Josslyn Fletcher

    Club Licensing

    Having been audited by SFA in February 2020, the Club Secretary has reported that we have now received certificates confirming that we successfully retained the standards previously awarded:

    Legal / Admin / Finance /code of practice – Gold
    Youth – Gold
    First Team – Silver
    Ground - Silver

    Finance and Commercial

     

    Individual Shirt sponsorship

    There has been a very good response by fans who wanted to sponsor players’ home and away shirts, and there are only a few left up for grabs! If you are interested, follow this link, click on individual player profiles to see who is still available, and get in touch directly with Ray Montgomerie - [email protected]


    Shop Sales

    Sales continue to be very good, with more than 1000 home shirts, over 500 away shirts, and around 500 junior shirts sold, surpassing previous kit sales. The new Killie Ltd range is proving popular and future ranges will include gym wear, and women’s and kids clothing. Stock for Christmas has already been ordered and will include duvet sets, as well as a range of other items, and a further limited-edition retro shirt is planned.

    The new limited edition book Kilmarnock: 150 Years in the Making celebrating 150 years of Killie history in pictures, will also be on sale in time for Christmas shopping!


    Name Bricks

    Work is underway to revamp the “bricks” and create a new offering for fans. More details will be announced in due course.

     

    Sponsorship Partners

    With Covid impacting on many local businesses, the Club is grateful to those who have renewed their stadium advertising, and to new firms joining to support the Killie family. There are a few spaces available at a range of process depending on location, and anyone interested should contact Ray Montgomerie. Energy Check have also become partners, with more to be announced soon. 

     

    Season Passes, Match Streaming and Pay Per View 

    Since my last report a further 59 season passes have been purchased, taking the total to 2879.

    Sales of pay-per-view have been steady and it is worth noting that the Club receives the money paid for PPV for our home league matches, while Betfred Cup matches see the receipts split. I am aware that some fans were disappointed that season pass holders did not get the Betfred cup match free. However, as many fans did appreciate, this would have cost us a considerable amount at a time when we are working extremely hard to ensure the player budget is protected.

    Killie Club

    Prior to the new restrictions being implemented, we were working hard to advertise the Killie Club across social media and also by leaflet drop in the local area. We are also looking at whether a “coffee shop” offering would be welcomed, in addition to the catering which has been on offer. The first themed “Curry Night” took place just before the restrictions came into play and was very successful. The Killie Club will be launching a new takeaway offering launching Monday 26th October. More news will follow from the Club. Again, it is worth emphasising that as with the shop, the Killie Club being now run by the Club ensures that profits are reinvested into the Club and helps support the football side. 

    Killie Cares Fund  ( Lotto)

    The Killie Cares Fund currently has 1250 subscribers, with an average of 850 weekly draw users.  It is now available on an App, which is easy to use, with play from £1 per week (£50 for an annual subscription) and you can sign up for yourself or gift a subscription to someone. We’re rethinking how to make this work for agents, and an update will follow very soon. There will be a further promotion of this in lead up to Christmas, with reminder that the profits are shared between the Youth Academy and KCST. Meantime, anyone interested can sign up here. 

    Media and Communications
    The Media Team has continued to focus on keeping fans engaged with the club via our social media channels, with a large amount of time taken up keeping supporters and members of the media as informed as possible surrounding the Covid outbreak and the sporting implications involving our contests with Motherwell, Falkirk and Dunfermline.

    As stated in this report, we felt it was crucial as a club to explain the thought process behind difficult decisions made during an often fluid and unprecedented situation.
    As part of our continually evolving Killie TV offering, we spoke to Under-18s head coach Craig Clark about the youngsters who many supporters would have seen for the first time against Dunfermline, to give an added insight into life in our Academy structure. The media team will continue to produce bespoke features for our fans to enjoy.

    Former Kilmarnock FC captain Paul Clarke will join our commentary team for this weekend’s match against Hibernian and there are plans to have a number of former players involved for future matches.
     
    A short fan survey covering our Killie TV offering will shortly be circulated to help inform our future plans.
     
    The club has been prominent in publicising material surrounding Black History Month with all first team players showing their commitment to Show Racism the Red Card’s Fortnight of Action.
     
    While the current Government Guidelines have caused a slight delay in the next planned episode of the ‘We Are Killie’ podcast, our manager Alex Dyer spoke to BBC Scotland for great insight into his background and career – find out more here.
     
    If you are on LinkedIn, please connect with the Club account, as well as following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 

     

    Killie in the community
    Billy, Phyllis and I recently joined a virtual meeting with the Leader of North Ayrshire Council to hear more about their Community Wealth Building initiative. They were very complimentary about Killie’s impact across Ayrshire, and are keen to work with us, in cooperation with East Ayrshire, to look at how we can work to bring mutual benefits to Club and community

    The KCST team has recommenced the Community Programme for children, and details are regularly updated on social media.

    Killie Legend Dylan Kerr’s work in poorer communities in Africa has prompted Susan Russell to start up a collection of boots and kit to send to them. We will announce a drop-off date and time at the Club, so please look out anything you might want to hand over and watch for more information.

    KFCSA will be doing its annual “ Bring a Gift” collection, in conjunction with East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHA)  The collection normally takes place on a match day, but given current situation, we have agreed that collection will take place at Rugby Park, on Sunday 6th December.  KFCSA will announce full details in due course, but if you are starting to think about Christmas and can buy a toy or gift for a child or teenager, please add to your shopping list!

    Remembrance Day

    With current restrictions in place, large remembrance ceremonies are not able to take place this year, but the Club will be marking the occasion in an appropriate way. Pin badges with Poppy and Club Crest are available in the shop.

    Ian Downie
    The Club was saddened to hear of the passing of Ian, better known to Killie fans as “Nutz”. Ian was a popular figure and most Killie fans have stories to tell about meeting him. Our condolences go to his family, and the Club and supporters paid their respects as he made his last journey past Rugby Park yesterday.

     

    Club contact details
    A reminder that contact details for key staff at the club can be found by going to the link
    https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/contact/
    Please use the contacts if you have queries, or get in touch with me using the details below and I can pass on or provide a response.
     

    My contact details

    I can be contacted in the usual ways:

    Email: [email protected]
    Facebook: Cathy Jamieson
    Twitter: @cathyjamieson
    Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie

    Best wishes

    Cathy

    Killie Trust

    Website Privacy Statement

    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:
    ●    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
    ●    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:
    ●    name and job title
    ●    contact information including email address
    ●    demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
    ●    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:
    ●    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.
    ●    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

    Website Terms and Conditions

    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.

    Ownership of Web Site

    This Web Site belongs to Killie Trust.

    Headings

    Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

    Trademarks

    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.

    Alterations

    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.

    Phone Calls and Emails

    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.

    Telephone charges

    The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.

    WEBSITE POLICIES

    Commercial use

    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.

    Copyright

    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).

    Changes to Terms and Records of Agreements

    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.

    Disclaimers

    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.

    Intellectual Property Rights

    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.

    Jurisdiction and Law

    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.

    Links to other Web Sites

    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.

    Force Majeure

    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

    Website Accessibility

    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 use clear and simple language.
    • We use alternative text for all our images 
    • Were possible the HTML we produce conforms to the standard: XHTML 1.0 Strict
    • We have tested the colours we use in the design for contrast.

    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.

    The Killie Trust is a trading name of The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Limited. The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Limited is entered on the Financial Conduct Authority Register under reference SP2620RS;
    Registration address C/o Duncan Maclean & Co, 81 John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 8BG