With the season now well under way, we’ve seen a few ups and downs on the football front, with some frustrating results following on from the victories against Old Firm, despite some spirited performances. It was disappointing to exit the League Cup at quarter final stage, but with so many teams on the same points in the league, there is still everything to play for.
Although they also exited the cup to a top flight side, the Women’s team has continued to do well, and currently sit second top of SWPL2.
The under 18s, managed by Chris Burke, have also achieved some excellent results, getting good results in their return to the CAS Elite league, and securing a fourth-round spot in the Scottish FA Youth Cup.
A young reserve side has had some good showings against strong opposition and continued their positive start to the season with a victory at Airdrie in the SPFL Reserve Cup.
Supporters who have attended these matches have given very positive feedback on performances so hopefully more fans will be able to come along - details are always posted on the Club Social Media channels.
We were also pleased to see Brad Lyons and Matty Kennedy called up for international duty with Northern Ireland squad, David Watson and Bobby Wales again joining the Scotland under 19 squad, and Cole Burke joining the Scotland Under 16s. Last, but not least, congratulations to Lucie Burns who made her Scotland debut in the under 17s match against France.
Thanks to the manager, staff and players for the Open Training session which took place yesterday (19 October). This was planned during the school break to give our younger fans the opportunity to see the players train and meet them afterwards, with some fun activities also on offer thanks to Killie Community.
On Board in Person
The Trust’s 20th Anniversary celebrations kicked off with a packed 1869 suite for the ‘On Board, In Person’ event with Manager Derek McInnes, hosted by John Barnes.
The Manager outlined his vision for the future and his commitment to the Club. He gave honest and frank answers to questions which had been sent in by fans. This covered recruitment and the challenges of getting target players in and the disappointment when this does not materialise, the importance of bringing young players through from the academy and giving them first team experience while also protecting them as they progress, the playing surface, training ground, changes to the back-room staff following the departure of Tony Docherty to Dundee, positive working relationship with Board and budget priorities. He also gave responses to queries raised about on field tactics and why certain approaches were taken.
After the Manager took some questions from the floor, Trust Chair Jim Thomson and I updated members attending on Trust business, including the proposal for future Trust investment in a new ‘Trust in Killie’ Next Generation Fund which had been discussed with the Club Board, and which will be put to a vote of members very soon.
Plans are under way for the next OBIP, and members will receive information when details are confirmed.
Trust in Killie Next Generation Fund proposal
The Trust Board and Club Board recently discussed what the funding priorities are for next stage of Trust investment, beyond the £50k match funding for the Killie Community bid to SFA and £19k for installing handrails in stands to aid less mobile supporters.
The agreed priority was to target investment which could support younger players make the transition from academy/development squads to be ready for first team.
This fits with the Trust’s long-term support for youth development, and one of the main priorities identified in a recent survey of fans undertaken by the Trust.
The Trust Board will be proposing to members that we will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Trust by making an upfront investment of £20k in a “Next Generation” initiative, with subsequent monthly investments of 70% of the donations we receive to this funding campaign.
The Club will be able to use this investment to benefit young players and will be utilised, amongst other things, to support young player coaching, wellbeing, sports science (including equipment and software) and accommodation and travel if required.
The remaining 30% of monthly funding received will be utilised for other projects as required and we will continue to receive shares for all these investments.
This proposal has been welcomed by the Club Directors and management team, as giving the best possible opportunities to grow our own talent and help support the transition to first team football.
Voting information will be sent directly to Trust members, so please keep an eye on your inbox!
Just as a reminder, the £10 annual membership fee paid to the Killie Trust is what covers the running costs of the Trust while ‘Trust in Killie‘ is the fund which members can pay into on a monthly basis (or via one off donations) which is used solely to invest into our Club, through projects agreed with the Club and Trust members.
You can contribute to our ‘Trust in Killie’ funding campaign HERE
Commercial update
At the October meeting of KFC Board, a positive report was provided on commercial activities in the period to end September.
Building on last season’s record-breaking target, the 5000 mark for season ticket sales was eclipsed for first time since 1990’s, and the Trust’s contribution to purchasing season tickets for use by Schools Supporters Groups was noted. Half season tickets will be available in time for Christmas purchase.
Replica kits are selling well with continued interest in the origins of the away kit design still bringing positive coverage. The Killie Ltd range is also selling well with plans for a refresh in spring 2024.
The “Away Strip Cup” saw fans vote online for their favourite away strip which will become the next retro shirt offering.
The “OFFXKILLIE” range, as part of a licensed partnership with the Ayrshire brand Offxsprings, has seen new Hoodies and T shirts introduced in September.
Fans may have noticed several new advertisers in the stadium, as well as longstanding business advertisers, and the commercial team is looking at additional advertising spaces being made available.
Player shirt sponsorships have gone well for both men’s and women’s first teams, with only a few remaining.
The new format of the Killie Match magazine edited by former Trust Board member Gordon Gillen has proved to be popular, with sales already increased.
The introduction of the new Gyros food stand behind the Moffat Stand has given an additional offering to matchday catering and we will look at possibility for other options to be added in the other stands.
Killie Community
The Killie Community Trustees and staff are appreciative of the £50k funding which was agreed by Trust members to go to the Club as part of their funding bid to SFA, which has now been submitted.
Thanks also to the Killie fans who voted in the East Ayrshire Council Wellbeing for All participatory budgeting process. This has resulted in an award of £4,700 being made.
An amazing sum of over £16k was raised for Killie Community by Ayrshire Does Strictly, with Emma Wyper from Killie Hospitality receiving the winner’s trophy! Another Killie connection participating was Mark “Mavis” Reilly, so thanks to the fans who supported all the dancers to raise funds.
With the former tenants of the old office/ gym building in Rugby Road having now vacated the premises, Killie Community is grateful to Billy Bowie for allowing the building to be used for community benefit. The Killie Community staff team have been working with local businesses to renovate the building, as part of support for employability.
Having this building will be a fantastic complementary facility to the community pitch and hub which we hope will result from a successful bid to the SFA. If anyone has trade skills in e.g. painting, joinery, plumbing, plastering etc and wishes to volunteer some time, or any local business wishes to involve some apprentices or trainees in a live project, please contact Jordan or Daryl at Killie Community.
To keep up to date with Killie Community activities and the full range of programmes check out their Facebook pages HERE.
More information on Killie Community is also available HERE.
Upcoming events:
Killie Trust
- Next OBIP - November tbc
- Killie Exiles Day - 30th December 2023.
- Foodbank collections taking place at home matches (except 02/12/23, when we will be supporting KFCSA Bring a Gift Day)
- Junior Trust Xmas Party - details to be announced very soon. Members, please check your email inbox.
Killie Community
- Walk and Talk: every Wednesday from 1pm - 3pm. No need to book, just meet at Moffat Stand gates. Walks are led by a trained Walk Leader
- Killie Get Together: Every Wednesday between 3pm and 5pm in Champions Lounge. No need to book, just turn up for tea, coffee and a chat!
- Gin and Jammies Fundraiser in 1869 Suite, 05/11/23 (SOLD OUT)
Club
- Former player Hospitality Day - 21st October
- Remembrance Day Service - 12 November at 1pm
- Calendar Signing - November date will be advertised
- Santa’s Grotto - December 16/17 December (SOLD OUT)
- Ladies Day - date will be advertised for Spring 2024
KFCSA
- Sportsman’s Dinner - 18 November 2023 raising funds for Youth Academy. More details on tickets from [email protected]
- Annual “Bring a Gift Day” in conjunction with EACHA - Saturday 2 December
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Here is some information on questions which have been regularly asked of me and which may be useful!
What is the difference between the Killie Trust and Trust in Killie? How do I join and donate?
The Killie Trust is the organisation which fans can join at a cost of £10 per year. Members can attend events, vote on Trust projects, elect members of the Trust Board, and participate in the election of the Trust Club Director. If you are not already a member, please join HERE.
Trust in Killie is the fund which members and fans can donate to. This allows the Trust to invest in the club, through various projects agreed by members, which benefits both our Club and supporters, ie safe standing areas, disabled platform, hand rails etc. These investments are also reflected in club shares being given to the Trust. This funding has also been used to sponsor our Women’s team and boys/girls academies, as well as funding smaller projects, including providing equipment.
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
How do I get a mascot place for a child?
The Killie Trust manage this and have 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 for e.g. Youth Academy. Mascots are given a tour of 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 - [email protected] with MASCOT as the subject heading.
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 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
Will the Club 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]
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 [email protected]
Who do I contact about advertising and player sponsorship?
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 I buy shares in the club?
Anyone wishing to purchase shares in the Club must contact the Company Secretary Graeme Bryson. [email protected]
How can I find details of upcoming matches?
Details of men’s first team, reserves, under 18s and women’s first team are shared on the Clubs social channels, as well as Club Website
When is the shop open?
Normal opening times are:
Opening Times
- Weekdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm (KO on Matchdays)
- Sat: 10am - 4pm (5:30pm on Matchdays)
- Sun: Closed (Except Matchdays)
- Closed Door Games: 10am - 2pm
Please check website for latest information on all matters connected with the shop.
https://www.killieshop.co.uk
How do I get away match tickets?
Arrangements for tickets vary depending on the match. Information is shared on Club website and social media channels.
If you require assistance with ticketing, please contact the team on [email protected] or 01563 545311
My Contact details:
- Email : [email protected]
- Twitter / X: @cathyjamieson
- Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie
- FB: Cathy Jamieson
