Gary’s story

For many, Gary Mackay is a Heart of Midlothian legend: former Captain and Club record appearance holder. At Big Hearts, Gary is also a brilliant colleague who always has an interesting story to tell. Every Friday night, Gary Mackay is helping tackle youth anti-social behaviour through football-based activities at Tynecastle Park.

Despite making more than 500 appearances for Hearts, Gary believes his job at Big Hearts is far more important. He said: “Working with young people, both professionally and as a volunteer, has been a huge part of my life for a long time – I think I have much more impact on people’s lives now than I did when I played.” 

The Friday Night Lights project supports young people aged 13 to 18 from communities facing high levels of deprivation, youth crime and school disengagement. 

Gary added: “A lot of young people in South West Edinburgh are dealing with challenges that aren’t always obvious. Some feel disconnected from what’s going on around them and some don’t feel safe where they live. What these sessions give them is somewhere to go at the end of the week, somewhere they feel welcome and safe.”

The free Big Hearts sessions provide a structured space at a point in the week when routine can fall away, with half of participants saying they would otherwise be on the streets without the programme. The main partner of Friday Night Lights, Police Scotland, reported a reduction in youth-related call-outs locally as well as improved behaviour in schools, based on conversations with head teachers and school link officers.

Gary explained: “A big part of why it works is the way everyone comes along. The Police officers who join us are there to take part, not to lecture anyone, and young people pick up on that straight away.” 

“I’m not standing on the sidelines. I’m out on the pitch, having a kickabout and getting involved, and that helps break things down very quickly.”

“Ninety-nine per cent of the time they leave with a smile on their face, and that means I’m leaving with one too. That tells me we’re on the right track.”

Now Gary is calling on Hearts fans to dig deep for Big Hearts Day, the annual Club charity’s fundraiser during Hearts v Falkirk on 21st February, to help reach even more young people. 

“There’s an awful lot to be proud of at the club at the moment. If young people grow up feeling that Tynecastle Park is open to them and that they belong here, that can stay with them for a long time.”

“Small donations – like the price of a pie – help sustain programmes like this and ensure our charity continues to engage with young people who need it most.”

Donate today to change more young lives through the Club charity Big Hearts. 

Thank you.