As they approach their 15th anniversary, ANTHONY McVEIGH celebrates the fantastic work and achievements of The Kano Foundation
TO DATE, The Kano Foundation has given nearly 18,000 children a chance to attend a live football match free of charge, and this milestone figure will have been surpassed by the time you read this. Next April, as The Kano Foundation approaches its 15th anniversary, it is celebrating with a spectacular concert at the SEC in Glasgow, showcasing musical acts like The Wakes, Hot Whiskeys, and Liam McGrandles. This concert will be a celebration not only of the foundation’s achievements but also of the generosity and dedication of its supporters.
Vision
The Kano Foundation was inspired by the spirit of inclusivity and community-mindedness embodied by Celtic Football Club. Founders saw the importance of giving young people—regardless of background—the opportunity to be part of something bigger, something that transcends personal circumstances. Named after Martin ‘Kano’ Kane, following the Celtic community’s ‘Bring Martin Home’ campaign when he developed the hugely debilitating Devic’s Syndrome. The Kano Foundation honours his memory by continuing the passion and kindness he brought to others and his desire to see young people have the opportunity to watch hive beloved Hoops.
The foundation’s mission is straightforward: to make live football accessible to children who might otherwise not have the chance to attend. They aim to foster a love of football and offer young fans a sense of belonging, inclusivity, and joy, whether they are first-time attendees or die-hard fans.
Milestones and making a difference
Throughout the years, The Kano Foundation has hit several memorable milestones. They celebrated their 5000th child back in 2015 and their 10,000th child just a few years later. By 2022, the foundation welcomed its 15,000th young fan, marking another proud achievement in its mission to make football accessible. As the foundation heads into 2025, it is on track to have taken over 18,000 kids to a live football game—an incredible achievement that speaks volumes about the organisation’s hard work and the unwavering support of fans, patrons, and donors. It is highly likely The Kano Foundation will reach the spectacular 20,000 kids milestone in the next 12 months.
Many of the children welcomed by the foundation come from diverse backgrounds and often have little connection to football initially. However, The Kano Foundation has created a unique experience for young fans that goes beyond watching the game—it’s about being part of a community. For instance, a young Aberdeen fan who travelled with the Grampian Emerald CSC recently went viral on social media after singing ‘The European Song.’ This touching video showed how the foundation connects kids to football culture and to one another, creating moments of joy and camaraderie that ripple far beyond the stadium.
Unforgettable experience
On match day, The Kano Foundation creates an experience that is unforgettable from start to finish. The day begins with children gathering at designated meeting points where they’re greeted by the foundation’s dedicated volunteers. This can often involve the supply of a hot snack meal to keep the youngsters going. The young fans then make their way to Celtic Park, taking part in a range of pre-match singing designed to get them engaged and excited. They all receive special Kano Foundation scarves and sometimes other memorabilia to remember their day, and are given snacks and drinks to keep their energy up as they cheer on the team.
Once they enter the stadium, children are directed to the Kano Foundation’s designated section, where they have a prime view of the pitch. Surrounded by fans and immersed in the atmosphere of the stadium, they get to experience firsthand the exhilaration of watching Celtic play live. For many kids, this marks the beginning of a lifelong passion for the sport and a sense of identity within the Celtic community.
Fundraising and support
The work of The Kano Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of supporters and the dedication of volunteers. The foundation raises funds through various means, including events, merchandise sales, and individual contributions. Regular fundraising events, from charity dinners to the annual golf day, allow fans and patrons to give back to an organisation that has done so much for the young community.
Donations, large or small, have made a lasting difference in helping the foundation cover ticket costs, transportation, and the many little details that make each match day magical. Supporters are encouraged to donate via the foundation’s website, where they can set up one-time or recurring contributions to keep this incredible mission going. Every donation, regardless of size, plays a vital role in ensuring that more children get the chance to experience the magic of live football.
Patrons and champions
The Kano Foundation is fortunate to have the support of several high-profile patrons who are passionate about the cause and committed to the foundation’s mission. These patrons include former players, celebrities, and respected figures from the world of sports and entertainment. Their advocacy and presence at fundraising events have helped draw attention to the foundation’s cause and inspired others to join in support.
These patrons aren’t just figureheads; many are actively involved in the foundation’s initiatives and often attend events, providing visible support and contributing to the foundation’s ongoing success. They use their platform to amplify The Kano Foundation’s message of inclusivity and community, ensuring that more children get the opportunity to experience the joy of football.
Anniversary concert
To mark this momentous 15-year milestone, The Kano Foundation is hosting a highly anticipated anniversary concert at the SEC in Glasgow on April 26, 2025. The lineup for the concert is a testament to the deep community roots of the foundation, featuring beloved Scottish acts The Wakes, Hot Whiskeys, and Liam McGrandles. Each of these artists is known not only for their music but also for their dedication to social causes, making them fitting representatives of the foundation’s spirit.
The concert is expected to draw fans and supporters from across Scotland, coming together to celebrate everything that The Kano Foundation has accomplished. Beyond the musical performances, the event will feature speeches and tributes that recognise the work of the foundation, the milestones it has achieved, and the countless lives it has touched. Tickets for the concert are available online, and all proceeds will go towards funding The Kano Foundation’s future endeavours.
Supporting us
Those who wish to support The Kano Foundation can do so in several ways. Donations can be made directly on the foundation’s website, where supporters can also find information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved. The foundation’s website also lists ways to purchase merchandise, with all proceeds going towards providing unforgettable match-day experiences for kids.
By donating or volunteering, supporters are directly contributing to an organisation that’s making a tangible difference in young lives. Each contribution helps The Kano Foundation continue its mission of inclusivity, ensuring that the doors to football remain open for future generations of young fans.
Continuing the legacy
As The Kano Foundation approaches its 15th anniversary, it’s clear that the organisation has not only left a lasting impact on thousands of young lives but has also inspired a wider culture of inclusivity within the football community. From its grassroots beginnings to becoming one of the most respected football charities in Scotland, the foundation has demonstrated that football can be a powerful force for good.
For kids who may feel excluded or marginalised in their daily lives, The Kano Foundation offers a sense of belonging, joy, and connection. As they look to the future, the foundation’s leaders, volunteers, and patrons remain committed to growing this legacy and welcoming even more children into the world of football.
In April, fans, patrons, and young supporters will gather at the SEC in Glasgow not just to celebrate The Kano Foundation’s 15 years of achievement, but to honour a mission that has brought people together, lifted spirits, and changed lives. With continued support from fans and the broader community, there is no doubt that The Kano Foundation’s legacy will continue to grow, and its impact will be felt for many generations to come.
To find out more about the excellent work that The Kano Foundation does or to offer your support visit: https://www.thekanofoundation.com
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