Gordon Milne
Gordon is the Chairperson of The Pars Foundation and oversees the financial aspects of the charity. A lifelong Pars fan, he became a trustee because he believes the Football Club should be at the heart of the community — and that winning in the community matters even more than winning on the pitch.
He takes great satisfaction in seeing the number of local people the Foundation reaches and the wide variety of projects delivered. Gordon is especially proud of the positive impact the Foundation’s health and wellbeing programmes are having, helping to make a real difference to people’s lives.
Looking ahead, his hope is for The Pars Foundation to play a central role in building a stronger, healthier, and happier Dunfermline community by understanding local challenges and working to meet them.
Tony Combe
Tony brings a wealth of experience in digitising operations, implementing software systems, and digital marketing, which supports the Foundation’s growing digital landscape. He also contributes corporate and finance expertise from his background in governance across both private and public companies, alongside board-level experience in the volunteer sector.
He became a trustee after being inspired by the Foundation’s reputation for championing sport, promoting health and wellbeing, and expanding educational opportunities. A lifelong Dunfermline Athletic supporter, Tony was delighted to join and contribute to an organisation making such a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Tony particularly enjoys being able to combine his passion for football with making a positive impact in the community. He is especially proud of the progress made in strengthening the Foundation’s digital presence and communication channels, which continues to evolve with great promise.
Looking ahead, Tony hopes to see the Foundation build further on its three pillars — community sport, health and wellbeing, and education — and play an even bigger role in addressing local challenges and supporting a stronger, healthier, and better-connected community.
Sue Hampson
Sue brings over 30 years of experience as a practising counsellor, supervisor, and trainer, specialising in supporting survivors of trauma, particularly childhood sexual abuse. She has worked across both statutory and voluntary services and co-authored Yes You Can: Working with Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse with Dr Sarah Nelson. Sue was also the researcher, interviewer, and producer of two award-winning documentaries on survivors of abuse — Lifting the Lid and Tell-Tale Signs.
At The Pars Foundation, Sue has mentored the Health and Wellbeing Manager and now leads as trustee for Safeguarding. Her focus is on ensuring that everyone involved in the Foundation’s activities feels safe, welcomed, and supported. She is committed to embedding a culture of openness, where staff are confident to respond sensitively and appropriately to any concerns.
Sue became a trustee because she has always enjoyed football and liked the way the Foundation works to attract people from all parts of the community, striving for equality in health and wellbeing. She believes the power of football — and any sport — can make a real difference to how people feel about themselves, and that the Foundation does this well.
She is particularly proud of the Health and Wellbeing Team’s success in promoting FFIT for women, as well as the focus on supporting mental health within the girls’ teams. For Sue, the most rewarding part of being involved is watching children and adults grow in knowledge, strength, and confidence through the Foundation’s activities — changes that can truly transform lives.
Looking ahead, Sue hopes to see the Foundation continue to embed and sustain its successful programmes while taking a leading role in Safeguarding, developing a culture that inspires confidence and trust.
Fiona Simpson
Fiona has been a trustee of The Pars Foundation for eight years, and her role has evolved considerably during that time. Originally joining to bring an education perspective, having worked a variety of educational roles — including 15 years in management. Alongside her professional background, Fiona has long been involved in schools and grassroots football as a coach, coordinator, referee, and parent — experience that equipped her for her role as a trustee.
Drawing on her leadership and HR expertise as a former Headteacher, Fiona has contributed to the development of recruitment policy at the Foundation and has also acted as a mentor to senior staff. Her extensive experience of working with community groups has helped her build valuable local networks and create new opportunities for the Foundation to connect with community initiatives.
A lifelong Pars fan — and famously one of the first people to get married on the pitch — Fiona describes joining the Foundation as “an absolute no-brainer.” With a deep belief in the power of football to motivate and support young people, she has always been passionate about helping those who may not have the same life chances as others to succeed in life.
Fiona loves being part of the Foundation and the wider club she has supported since childhood. She enjoys working with fellow trustees and staff to strengthen the organisation’s structure and strategy, ensuring the Foundation remains a positive force across the community. She is particularly proud of the introduction of a staff development programme that empowers team members to take ownership of their growth and rewards them for their contribution. Fiona also values the Foundation’s collaborative approach — ensuring staff have a voice in shaping the organisation’s future.
Of all the Foundation’s achievements, Fiona is most proud of its health and wellbeing programmes. Since the recruitment of a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team, these initiatives have become a respected source of support and positive change within the local community.
Looking ahead, Fiona is excited about the Foundation’s plans to build on its strong foundations — expanding football and wellbeing programmes while strengthening its Education and Employability work. She hopes to see a continued focus on developing a motivated, valued, and empowered staff team that can deliver lasting impact for communities across Dunfermline and beyond.
Lindsay Gilfillan
Lindsay plays an important role in helping to connect the Foundation’s ambitions with the needs of the local community. She works as an Anti-Poverty Project Manager for Fife Council, based in Dunfermline, and brings valuable local data and insight to help shape the Foundation’s projects.
A lifelong Pars fan, Lindsay has been going to games with her dad since the age of five. Becoming a trustee felt like a privilege and a chance to ensure both the club and the Foundation continue to support the local community. She was particularly drawn to the Health and Wellbeing pillar, and projects such as Football Memories and FFIT, which focus on improving people’s lives.
For Lindsay, one of the most exciting aspects of being involved is helping the Foundation through a period of change. She enjoys playing a part in shaping future ambitions and expanding the excellent work already being delivered. She is especially proud of the Foundation’s inclusive approach — from the wide range of programmes on offer to initiatives such as providing 50 free camp places to local families, ensuring cost is never a barrier to participation.
Looking ahead, Lindsay hopes the Foundation continues to grow its partnerships so that programmes reach even more people, especially those who are vulnerable or isolated. She would also like to see the Foundation share its impact more widely, so the positive difference it makes in the community gets the recognition it deserves.