"We are very happy. We can now finally relax." 🇺🇦 |

Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust welcomes 25 young people from Ukraine to Rugby Park. 🇺🇦

The club opened its doors to 25 young people fleeing war in Ukraine, aged from 3 to 17, where they enjoyed a tour of Rugby Park stadium, played games on the pitch and received a Killie kit of their very own.

The event comes as part of the ‘Refugees Welcome’ programme, run by Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust (KCST). Each Monday, KCST offer local families from Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan a place to come and play free football, helping them to improve their skills, their English and to make new friends.

“Community is really important for us,” said former Killie defender Ray Montgomerie, “It’s a huge thing [having these kids here] because the football club has a huge part to play within the community.”

Kilmarnock FC’s Charity Manager, Jordan Allison said: “We’re proud of our place at the heart of the community here in Ayrshire, and so the club is determined to do whatever we can to support and welcome anyone fleeing war and persecution.

“We’ve all monitored the news about what’s happening in Ukraine. If a small gesture like this can make some families feel welcome, safe and part of the Killie family, then we’re more than happy to help.”