The incredible contribution of young people at this time of year

At just 13 years old, Finn Lacy is proving to be an extraordinary role model in Kilmarnock, showcasing a level of dedication and compassion far beyond his years.

Finn was recognised as a Killie Community Hero at half-time of the home match versus Dundee on 30^th November 2024.

Over the past year, he has given an incredible 370 hours of his time volunteering for The Killie Community, the partner charity that uses the power of Kilmarnock Football Club to improve lives.

By giving up his school holidays, through his efforts and his love of Killie, Finn has brought joy and a sense of connection to people of all ages, stages, backgrounds, and circumstances.

One of Finn’s most heartwarming contributions to the charity has been his work with younger children, particularly those with additional support needs, during school holidays. While others his age enjoy their well-earned rest during the Easter, Summer, October and Christmas holidays, Finn will either be found in the new Killie Community Hub running his planned activities, or at another satellite Killie Community camp somewhere in Ayrshire.

“Finn has become a pivotal member of our team during school holidays. Just like his colleagues twice his age, he creates a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for children from all backgrounds to enjoy the game they love at Rugby Park. Finn loves Killie but he is also understanding of the backgrounds some of our young people are coming from, and he uses his awareness and cognisance of their circumstances, while still only 13 years old, to tailor his support to them and ensure everyone feels involved and valued”, said Jordan Allison, Head of Charity at The Killie Community.

Finn’s volunteering isn’t limited to the astroturf. He has also been involved in The Killie Community’s outreach to older people, particularly those living with early onset dementia. Finn works with the weekly and monthly Football Memories groups during his school holidays, helping local older people to reminisce about their cherished memories of Kilmarnock FC from the 1960s onwards. His patience and sheer enthusiasm for all things Killie has brought many smiles and words of encouragement from participants, carers and the wider community.

For Finn, the long hours of volunteering are not a sacrifice, but something he relishes: “I love doing what I do, and it’s good when others enjoy themselves too. I love helping people. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces means you know you’re doing a good job. I didn’t know I was getting an award at the Dundee match, only that I might be asked to speak, so it was a surprise and so I’d actually thought about what to say and I just thought about all the amazing work that goes on and I could have talked all day about that!”

Finn’s dedication is a reminder of how young people can make a profound impact on their communities, using the magic and power of football. Football brings people together.

Teagan O’Leary, age 10 (left) and Grace Wilson, age 10 (right) are rivals for Kilmarnock v Hearts, but are best friends the rest of the year. The work of initiatives run by grassroots community clubs, and of charities like The Killie Community, are ensuring young girls have a pathway to participation, whether playing or attending football. This means images like these are now the norm, and football is no longer just fathers taking their sons to matches at Rugby Park. Inclusion is at the heart of everything The Killie Community does.