There wasn’t much to cheer about in Kincorth in the early 1980s.
This was a part of Aberdeen which suffered from the impact of urban deprivation, unemployment and the many social problems which blighted Scotland throughout that decade.
Some people in the area even compared it to The Bronx.
Neil McLennan, a former Highland League footballer with Deveronvale and Huntly, and a string of other teams on the amateur and junior circuit, returned to the city 40 years ago and asked himself: What can I do to make things better?
The redemptive power of football in Kincorth
And the answer was a dramatic one. After discussing the situation with his friends Terry Massie and Billy McKay, the trio decided to establish Kincorth AFC and went round the local community, handing out posters to shops, in the search for new players.
It was the spark which ignited the launch of one of the most successful grassroots organisations ever created in the north east – and their joyful birthday celebrations have been backed up by congratulations from the chairman of Aberdeen FC, Dave Cormack.
There was no doubting the enthusiastic response when the club came into existence. Scores of youngsters filtered through the ranks and their lives changed for the better.
Just like any other new organisation, they had to start competing at the bottom – and that meant joining Division 7 of the Aberdeen Amateur League.
Kincorth AFC’s first match ended in defeat
As Terry recalled, matters didn’t kick off in the most auspicious fashion.
He said: “We were amazed at the reception when we told people what we were doing, but our very first game was against RAF Buchan and we lost 4-3.
“I remember us asking ourselves: ‘What have we got ourselves into here?’ But it turned out okay. We were undefeated in our next 35 matches and we were up and running.”
That hot streak wasn’t merely sustained for a season or two. On the contrary, these redoubtable characters embarked on trophy run to emulate Supermarket Sweep.
Neil told me: “The boys were ambitious and there was a buzz about the place from the start. So Kincorth won seven league titles on the trot and moved up to the top flight.
Success bred success for the players
“That was before we won three premierships on the trot and picked up all manner of silverware. Within a few years, we had a made quite a name for ourselves.
“I have to pay special mention to Terry. He has been there from Day 1. And he still is and is as devoted to the club as he has ever been.
Word soon spread about the dynamic impact of these Three Amigos – Neil, Terry and Billy – and others joined the ranks. On the pitch, players emerged such as Andy Gove, who ended up scoring more than 500 goals for the cause.
And there was even a jaw-dropping occasion in the 1990s when not one, but two of the 1983 Gothenburg Greats – John Hewitt and Doug Rougvie – turned out for Kincorth.
‘We could hardly believe it’
Terry said: “It was amazing to have these guys who had beaten Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Europe just a decade earlier playing for us and enjoying the experience.
“They really poured themselves into the amateur football ethos and it was brilliant. As you can imagine, there was a lot of interest from all the other clubs in the league.”
Neil briefly exited the picture in 1993 to manage Deveronvale. But, soon enough, he was back at the coalface, offering blood, sweat and tears to the Kincorth fraternity.
In their history, hundreds of youngsters have worn the team colours. And, as you might anticipate, while there have been plenty of highs, there have also been struggles.
Things are looking good for future
Terry said: “We’ve had some barren spells and seasons where things haven’t gone as well as we would have liked. But that’s the way it is for most football clubs.
“We’ve gone through about 15 or 16 managers in our history, but matters are definitely looking up at the moment with our management team of Dean Stewart, Andy Ewen and Matty Gairns steering us in a very positive direction.”
Football and family, community spirit and camaraderie – these have all been a feature of the Kincorth story down the years. But Terry Massie has been an ever-present figure.
So there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when a group of the Class of 84 reunited in Aberdeen earlier this month at The Atrium and Neil presented Terry with a special Kincorth watch to commemorate his dedication to the organisation.
‘We all call him Mr Kincorth’
Neil said: “Come rain or shine, snow or hail, he is 100% committed and has been at the forefront of our activities, whether we have been winning cups or fighting relegation.
“A lot of us regard him as Mr Kincorth and we can’t speak highly enough about him. And meeting up [at The Atrium] was one of those nights we’ll all never forget.”
No sport can survive and thrive without the unstinting efforts of these characters who work behind the scenes to ensure everything goes smoothly on centre stage.
So it’s hardly surprising that Mr Cormack, a lifelong Dons supporter and devotee of the game, was quick to praise the Kincorth collective and their contribution to the game.
‘It’s the lifeblood of the community’
He said: “On behalf of everyone at Aberdeen FC, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all associated with Kincorth as they reach this historic milestone.
“Kincorth AFC is the lifeblood of its community and the impact it has made on grassroots football within the area should not be underestimated.
“Keep up the great work guys!”
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