Six men in suits standing on a pitch looking at the camera

School Engagement Team

Our School Engagement Team brings together a wealth of experience in education and a shared passion for Dunfermline Athletic. Led by retired educators and long-time supporters of The Pars, the team delivers inspiring, curriculum-linked programmes that connect learning with the real world. From behind-the-scenes tours of East End Park for primary schools and college groups, to hands-on workshops like “Marketing the Pars” for secondary pupils, and the Pars Tackle Health programme promoting healthy lifestyles, the team engages pupils with interactive sessions that combine education, sport, and community. Through these initiatives, young people gain insights into careers, teamwork, marketing, and wellbeing, all while experiencing the excitement of life at the club.

Dave, who is wearing a suit, is smiling at the camera while standing on a football pitch

Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is a retired Depute Head Teacher who lives in Edinburgh and brings a wealth of experience from his career in education. Passionate about connecting learning with the real world, Dave now leads Tours for Schools, offering guided visits to East End Park for primary schools, colleges, and community groups. These tours give pupils a behind-the-scenes look at the many jobs and roles that keep a football club running.

For secondary pupils, Dave delivers “Marketing the Pars”, a practical workshop designed to support Business Management courses at National 4 and 5. By linking classroom learning to real-life examples, he helps young people gain valuable insights into marketing, teamwork, and the business of sport.

Wullie, wearing a suit, is smiling at the camera while standing on a football pitch

Wullie Oliphant

Wullie Oliphant (OLI to the bairns in schools). Retired Depute Head Teacher & Acting Head Teacher of Primary School in Perth. 65 years of supporting the Pars through thick & thin.

Wullie has run the "Pars Stars in the Media" project for the past 11 years. He looks at the use of language in newspaper reports and formulating questions for match interviews.. He also tells the classes the history behind the Pars badge and nickname before being joined by Pars Foundation staff for a short coaching session which rounds off the day. His sessions in schools are from 10am until 2.45pm.

Gennaro, wearing a suit, is smiling at the camera while standing on a football pitch

Gennaro Giudice

Gennaro Giudice is a retired secondary school teacher who now serves as the Pars Tackle Health Coordinator, leading an initiative that brings the club into the classroom. In this role, Gennaro works closely with local primary schools to arrange and deliver engaging sessions for upper primary pupils, encouraging healthy lifestyles through sport.

His responsibilities include coordinating timetables with schools, providing teachers and pupils with preparation and follow-up materials, and sharing photos and feedback for possible inclusion on the club’s official website. He also liaises with coaching staff and club personnel to ensure that players, coaches, and equipment are available for each visit.

Alexander, wearing a suit, is smiling at the camera while standing on a football pitch

Alexander Wyse

Alexander Wyse is a semi-retired high school teacher who has been delivering the Pars Tackle Health programme alongside Gennaro Giudice since 2018. Passionate about education and wellbeing, Alexander helps bring the message of healthy living to local primary schools in a way that is fun, engaging, and memorable for young learners.

Through his work with Pars Tackle Health, he combines classroom experience with a love of community engagement, ensuring that pupils benefit from positive role models and practical lessons in health and teamwork.

Derek, wearing a suit, is smiling at the camera while standing on a football pitch

Derek Allan

Derek Allan has followed DAFC for over 40 years, having moved to Fife to work in Education in 1983. For many years he was the Headteacher of Kirkcaldy High School, which was, at times, a tough gig for a Pars fan! Derek thoroughly enjoys his role supporting first team players to promote healthy living in local primary schools and hosting school groups at East End Park, combining his twin passions for learning and for The Pars.

Alan, wearing a suit, is smiling at the camera while standing on a football pitch

Alan Reid

Alan Reid is a retired Service Team Manager from the University of Edinburgh who now shares his expertise and passion with local schools. He helps deliver stadium tours at East End Park, giving pupils a behind-the-scenes look at how a football club operates, and also volunteers with the stadium maintenance team. Through his work, Alan combines practical experience with a love of community engagement, making every school visit informative, fun, and memorable for young learners.