Former Rangers boss gives backing to Hillwood Football Club bid to help youngsters

Now, volunteers from Hillwood Football Club are on a mission to offer a safe space for teenagers to speak out during difficult times.

The Pollok-based team have unveiled plans to open their Hillwood Park home for free to youngsters once a week to meet with pals and hone their skills. 

READ MORE: New clubhouse bid by Hillwood Community Trust backed by Glasgow City Council

It comes shortly after a number of teenagers sadly took their own life in the area during the Covid-19 lockdown. 

Hillwood coach Brian Hay is leading the project and is determined the club does its bit to help. 

Brian, 45, said: “We decided the kids needed something and somewhere. They need to be able to talk to someone.

“We want to get them talking and moving and many kids don’t really get the exercise they need.

“They’ll be able to come and talk to any of us one-on-one or we can talk in the larger group.

Coach Brian Hay, right, with his son Aidan

“We know there is a high rate of unemployment in our area and some children do not have opportunities.

“Football shouldn’t be an elitist sport and everyone should be able to take part in it.

“In my head, we’ll do the sessions but also have some guests come and speak to the kids and share their experiences. 

“I’ve already been speaking to the likes of Gary Faulds, who is very supportive of what we’re doing.”

He added: “The hope now is when things open up [post-lockdown] and we get the go-ahead to begin we can start the sessions up on a Sunday night for 14 to 18-year-olds.” 

Brian has already begun to work with a number of Glasgow-based charities, including footballer Aaron Connolly’s Time to Tackle. 

The St Roch’s player has spoken openly about his own attempted suicide and has used his story to inspire others. 

Hillwood BC, formed in 1966 by Willie Smith, has a long history of supporting grassroots football and the local community.

Former Rangers and Scotland manager Alex McLeish is among the club’s illustrious list of ex-pros that also includes Kenny Burns, Owen Coyle, Ross McCormack, and Peter MacDonald.

McLeish, who is a lifelong friend of Willie and was inducted into Hillwood’s Hall of Fame last year, has thrown his weight behind the “magnificent” plan. 

The 61-year-old said: “When I go back to my school days and my boys club days the big thing for Willie was to get boys from different schools together and playing.

“It didn’t matter whether you were Catholic or Protestant, it was all together. He’s a pioneer of youth football.

Former player Alex McLeish has backed the plans

“A lot of boys who have played with Hillwood over the years have gone on to achieve so much, but even those who didn’t realised the value of life. 

“He’s made sure there’s a space for everyone and he’s never lost sight of that. I have so much admiration for him to have dedicated his life to helping others.

“In my days, mental health issues were never something that was evident but that’s changed.

“I’m not saying everyone loses their way, but, for those who do need a bit of help, this is a magnificent gesture by Hillwood.” 

He added: “We back many of these campaigns and there are a lot of phenomenal charities in Glasgow.

“Willie Smith and that being part of my football roots is something I’ve always held on to.

“You never forget the coaches you have and I can’t speak highly enough of people at that level.

“Academies might be taking over but there’s still a place for the boys club and what they can do in their community.

“Don’t curb their enthusiasm for wanting to play football.” 

The plans have already received the backing of the local police and messages of support have poured in from a host of professional football teams, including the Premiership’s St Mirren. 

READ MORE: Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish proud to be inducted into Hillwood Hall of Fame

Willie, who has supported thousands of youngsters since forming the club, said: “We know there are levels of depression and similar issues in some of our young people and we want to give them something and somewhere they can feel safe; we want to create that welcoming environment.

Willie Smith, left, with Alex McLeish, centre, and Kenny Burns

“For us it has always been about the young people first and what they turn out to be and how can we help them grow.”