Scotland’s national football team has invited eight-year-old Dunfermline fan Ollie Young to be a mascot for the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Israel at Hampden next month.
Hey Ollie. We heard you've been having a bit of a tough time recently.
We'd love to invite you to be a player escort for our big play-off game against Israel next month.
We've spoken to your Dad who says you would be up for it.
See you at Hampden! https://t.co/E2YoV3spRG
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) February 24, 2020
Members of the football community including Dunfermline Athletic manager Stevie Crawford and former Pars star Gary Dempsey previously rallied round after Ollie’s dad Simon shared a letter the youngster had written saying he was terrible at football.
In a Tweet, the Scotland National Team said: “Hey Ollie. We heard you’ve been having a bit of a tough time recently. We’d love to invite you to be a player escort for our big play-off game against Israel next month.
“We’ve spoken to your dad who says you would be up for it. See you at Hampden.”
— Simon Young (@djscrimmers) February 19, 2020
Ollie’s letter prompted an outpouring of support including from Pars boss Crawford. He invited the young fan to Tuesday’s match against Inverness as a special guest of the club.
Simon posted a reply from Ollie on Twitter, accepting the invitation.
Ollie said: “Thank you everyone for your kind messages.
“Stevie, I would love to be your special guest at the game.”
Here’s all the info for our kick about with Ollie and his pals on Tuesday ⚽️⚽️https://t.co/qow6oH53iC
Carnegie Leisure Centre, Dunfermline – 4.15pm – 5.15pm (Sports Hall)
Register attendance with craig@parsfoundation.co.uk@officialdafc @parsfoundation pic.twitter.com/LcBuy0eghF— Gary Dempsey (@Dempz8) February 21, 2020
Leading the campaign to boost Ollie’s confidence and spread a little kindness is former Dunfermline player Dempsey, who is flying from Ireland on Tuesday to meet the youngster and help him enjoy a kickabout with friends before the Inverness match.
“I’ve got my shin guards and all packed already,” said Dempsey.
“I believe I’m going to need them. I believe I’m in for a whole world of pain, but I’m ready, I’m ready for it.
“The greatest player in Dunfermline’s history and I’m ready to take on the next generation.”
In a world where mental health and bullying etc is in the forefront, let’s now all of us start helping each other through. Have a brilliant day everyone 🥰 pic.twitter.com/qiOhHs1usz
— Gary Dempsey (@Dempz8) February 20, 2020
Dempsey said it had been a “whirlwind couple of days”, with the story going viral on social media, and said: “One random act of kindness can make a huge difference to people.”
He added: “Anybody that seen this video today, let’s see if you can have a little random act of kindness for somebody today and make somebody’s day go that little bit better, whether you know them or whether you don’t.”
Ahoy Ahoy Ollie the Skids think you’re cool and we love the Pars
— Richard Jobson (@richardjobson) February 24, 2020
Ollie was given a further boost when Richard Jobson of the Skids tweeted: “Ahoy Ahoy Ollie the Skids think you’re cool and we love the Pars.”
The Pars run on to the pitch to Into the Valley by the Skids and Simon said Ollie listened to the song on “constant repeat”.
Simon said he “can’t thank everyone enough for this” but particularly Dempsey, who he said “has proven to be a class man and a true inspiration”.
He told Dempsey: “Your act of kindness has gone above and beyond. Your act of kindness has put the smile back on my son’s face.”
