Thursday 4th November, 2021 at 6:44pm
It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Paul Kelly, Trust Manager with the Partick Thistle Charitable Trust.
Paul was much more than just a work colleague at Firhill, he was a friend to everyone at the Club who was lucky enough to know and work alongside him. A passionate advocate for communities in need throughout Scotland, Paul tirelessly worked for over 30 years in regeneration to improve communities throughout the West of Scotland.
Paul arrived at the Partick Thistle Charitable Trust looking to use the power of sport to engage people and communities, helping them to change their lives. Leading a dedicated team of staff, Paul pioneered a number of schemes, as part of a busy week of programmes to engage with all members of the community, introducing Frame Football to Scotland for young people across the country who walk with the assistance of a frame.
When the Coronavirus pandemic struck, Paul quickly turned his thoughts away from what the Charitable Trust could no longer do into what the Trust could do to help the members of the community who were now faced with the prospect of a completely altered lifestyle. Over 25,000 free meals were delivered to vulnerable people in the north of Glasgow through the Covid-19 crisis.
Paul’s passion for football extended into coaching and management and he was involved with a number of junior clubs throughout the years, most recently managing St Roch’s FC
The thoughts of everyone at Partick Thistle are with Paul’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. His loss will be felt far and wide, no greater than at Firhill where he improved the lives of many people involved with the Club who will miss him greatly.
