The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Young football fan thrilled with flood of support after bullying
SOCIAL MEDIA: Ollie, 8, inundated with videos and messages
A football-daft Fife youngster whose confidence was dented by bullies has received hundreds of messages of support on social media.
The outpouring of love for eight-yearold Dunfermline lad Ollie Young came after his dad Simon posted on Twitter a heartbreaking letter the youngster had written to his mum Karen.
In the message, Ollie said he was rubbish at football and hated himself. His dad said bullies were to blame for damaging his self-esteem and asked his followers to send some support.
Footballers past and present and many complete strangers weighed in, urging Ollie to stay strong and show the bullies they will never win.
The young Dunfermline Athletic fanatic was thrilled to receive a video of support from former Pars striker Gary Dempsey. Further messages have also poured in from the likes of Pars manager Stevie Crawford and Everton goalkeeping legend Neville Southall.
Dad Simon revealed he had been “blown away” by the incredible response, adding it had “made my son’s day, and week, and month and year”.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for this but especially Gary Dempsey who has proven to be a class man and a true inspiration,” he added.
Meanwhile Karen said: “Thank you all for your kind messages. Ollie is a happy boy tonight.”
Irish striker Dempsey said he would send Ollie the football shirt he wore when he made his debut for the Pars against Celtic at Parkhead.
He said: “When I was eight years old, Ollie, I wasn’t very good at football but I kept practising and I kept practising, and I got better and I got better and I got better.”
And he asked the youngster to promise him he would keep playing football.