“I remember the journey up to the colossal stadium”

Written by Cameron Murray, Ayrshire College.

Kilmarnock Football Club earned their place at Hampden to compete in the Scottish League Cup, for the first time in eleven years.

Who would have thought that just after coming back from the Championship, our club would be in a Scottish League Cup semi-final at the national stadium?

It was a treasured moment in my life to see Killie return to Hampden, one which filled me with pride to see the promoted Kilmarnock side compete for a place in the final of the Scottish League Cup.

This year, I remembered fond memories of the historic victory on Saturday 18^th of March 2012. To see my beloved club lift the prestigious Scottish League Cup final trophy at a packed Hampden Park, with over eleven thousand Killie fans, is a day I will never forget as a 13-year-old Killie supporter.

I remember the journey up to the colossal stadium. At thirteen years old, as you can expect, I was excited and could not wait to reach those famous Hampden steps and enter the stadium to cheer on my team to victory. It was my first time at the national stadium and it is a day that will live on forever in my memories.

The atmosphere was electric, all the Killie fans were raising their voices to sing and cheer whilst decked out in the famous blue and white colours. I was not only clothed in blue and white but also donned a blue and white wig for the occasion!

I never thought I would witness Killie lift a trophy at Hampden in my lifetime – I was jumping for joy when the goal went in, and could not contain my emotions. I celebrated with my dad and three friends euphorically at the final whistle. It was the best day of my life.

This year, it was a proud moment for me to watch Killie return to a still-colossal Hampden. We made the journey on a cold and rainy Saturday night to see Killie play for their place in the final of the League Cup. I reached those famous steps once again and was ready to watch my team. Thousands of Kilmarnock supporters created a thrilling atmosphere and made the stadium roar as the players walked out onto the pitch. All Kilmarnock fans were in full voice and encouraged the team throughout the game.

I felt proud, inspired and full of excitement. It made me think back to Killie’s victory in 2012. I did not want to miss this game. My club being back at Hampden meant so much to me and all the Killie supporters, especially after our time in the championship.

I was pleased to hear that Kilmarnock Football Club and their charity The Killie Community donated free tickets for young people and families within the local area to attend the semi-final match. It meant so much to see families who otherwise would not be able to afford an experience like this get to see a hugely significant and memorable semi-final, which conveys that Kilmarnock Football Club is truly a family-centred club. During a cost-of-living crisis and amidst rising energy bills, this highlights to me that compassion is at the heart of our club.

It was a day that Zach and Lyle would remember forever, and they enjoyed the joyous occasion despite the result.

Zach enjoyed the atmosphere and watching his favourite player, stating:

“I enjoyed the game at Hampden, it was brilliant! The singing on the bus was my favourite. It was a very good game. Danny Armstrong, number 11, played very well”.

Lyle also went to the match, a pupil from Loudoun Academy, who loved singing and watching Killie try to find the net, he commented:

“I enjoyed the game apart from the result. The best part for me was when Killie got all the chances, and everyone stood up. I also enjoyed the singing and chanting”.

The Killie Community was thrilled to make it possible for families to attend a momentous semi-final, which highlights that Kilmarnock Football Club truly cares for the community through its incredible charity work and vision.

The Killie Community works with people of all ages and backgrounds to use the power of football to transform people’s lives. Recently, they took part in various initiatives from Para-football, providing young people with additional support needs the opportunity to play football for free, to Football Memories, helping older people within the community to reminisce and socialise.

They often reach out to the community with genuine love, care, and support for those who need it most. The Killie Community continues to bring joy, compassion, and enrichment to the local community, as shown by the charitable and family-centred work they do. The Killie Community’s mission is to ‘use football as a force for good to support all within our community’.

Kilmarnock Football Club is undeniably a family-centred club, so please support your local team and be part of the Killie family.