Every Friday night in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, the pitch at Castlebrae Community Campus becomes more than just a place to play football, it’s a hub of connection, care, and community, thanks to an amazing delivery team. Within this team is one extraordinary volunteer, Lesley MacKenzie, who is at the heart of the project.
For over eighteen months, Lesley has been a key figure of the Friday Night Lights drop-in football sessions, part of the Castlebrae Community Sport Hub (CSH). From the moment she arrives, Lesley is on a mission—not just to help organise football, but to provide support to the young people who attend.
Castlebrae CSH is part of the national sportscotland Community Sport Hub network that is funded by The National Lottery and brings sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland.
Friday Night Lights
Lesley has been volunteering since the beginning of the project, after completing her coaching qualification. For Lesley, volunteering was an opportunity to gain experience but also to give the young people an opportunity to come together, have fun and learn life skills through football.
Over 60 young people, aged 11 to 20, regularly attend the sessions which were established through a partnership between Castlebrae CSH (City of Edinburgh Council) and Edinburgh Leisure, Castlevale Youth Development Club, U-Think PDP, Police Scotland and Places for People.
The local Community Centre Sandy’s, is now involved as a partner and the project is also fortunate to have funding from local organisations – Manor Housing, Link Group, Wheatley Group and Sporting Start.
The sessions are a safe space where young people can stay active, build teamwork skills, grow in confidence and feel part of something bigger. For some, the sessions are a welcome break from life’s challenges with friendly youth workers and pastoral support on hand, as well as the popular Scran Van and Edinburgh Food Social, who provide free hot food on a regular basis.
Jayne Smith, Community Sport Hub Officer for City of Edinburgh Council said:
“This project was initially set up as a diversionary activity to offer a positive opportunity for young people following the Bonfire Night troubles in Craigmillar & Niddrie. The session has developed into so much more - in terms of being a safe place for young people to come and have a fun, mixing with others and being physically active.
Lesley’s involvement is at the heart of this – her contribution is incredible, week after week she gives her attention and time to the young people. She is such a caring, positive role model and has established genuine relationships with the young people. We really can’t thank her enough for the impact he has made on this project and on the local community.”
Establishing a safe space
Lesley’s role isn’t lead coach, though she is a qualified one. Instead, she’s described as the glue that holds the sessions together. Whether it’s handing out her infamous ice packs with a smile, jumping in goal for a laugh, or chatting with a young person who needs a listening ear, Lesley is always there.
Lesley reflects: "They're great children, they just need an alternative from hanging around the streets and you know, on the scooters and doing the things that we don't want them to do.”
“I give two hours of my time to make their life far better and if every adult did that and just accepted them and allowed them to sort of grow into better people, we're not there to see them as badness, they are great kids, we just need to give them an alternative.”
In addition to Friday Night Lights, Lesley also volunteers with Castlevale Youth Football Club, where she manages the girls’ team.
Many of the girls attend the Friday sessions because of Lesley. She understands the barriers some of the girl’s face, especially around confidence, and gently encourages them until they feel ready to join in. Some come along just to be at the pitch side and are encouraged to help with tasks. Her approach is always personal, always patient.
One female participant said:
“She gives you Mum vibes, you just feel safe. If you’re not alright she’ll talk to you, if you are alright, she’ll just have a laugh with you. She’ll ask if you’re ok, offer you water, juice, she cares about you.”
Lesley’s dedication goes far beyond the pitch. She is also a foster carer and is sometimes on emergency stand by. One of the Friday’s Lesley had a baby in her care at short notice and rather than cancel her volunteering, she was at the pitch pushing the buggy while overseeing a game.
Her dedication to the sessions is clear and her birthday was no exception. Lesley turned up to volunteer, cake in hand, and shared it with the young people. It’s gestures like these that have earned her deep respect and affection. One of the older players even named his PlayStation team’s goalie after her which speaks volumes about the bond she’s built.
Making a difference
Lesley’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recently honoured with the Places for People Housing Association Community Matters Award and was highly commended at the BBC Make a Difference Awards.
Kelly Brown, Director of Places for People Scotland, said:
"Friday Night Lights is about so much more than football – it’s about creating a space where young people feel seen, supported and part of their community. The project has already helped reduce antisocial behaviour locally, and many of the kids say that without this diversionary activity they’d be out on the streets causing issues.
When volunteers like Lesley show up with such consistency and warmth, it sends a powerful message to every young person who walks through those gates: you matter. Her dedication helps young people stay active and connected and strengthens the whole neighbourhood. Projects like this simply wouldn’t thrive without volunteers like her.”
Though for Lesley, it’s not about recognition. It’s about showing up, being present, and making a difference. Her knowledge, humour, and unwavering kindness have been described as “like gold dust” in a community that faces real challenges.
Lesley’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of volunteering in sport. She’s not only helped run football sessions, but she has built trust, fostered belonging, and created safe spaces in a community where young people can thrive.
Find out more
- Castlebrae CSH Case Study - Lesley Mackenzie
- Castlebrae CSH - sportscotland
- Community sport hubs - sportscotland
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