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The Kano Foundation is a charity run by volunteers passionate about keeping football free for kids.

We believe that all children regardless of background and circumstance should have access to sport and professional sporting events. That attending professional sporting events especially football matches is something that all children should be able to experience.
Since season 2010/2011 we have been giving kids a matchday experience they will never forget by providing them with a modern-day ‘lift over the turnstile’. Working with groups, schools, and individuals from all over the UK and Ireland, we’re giving them the opportunity to attend Celtic games and experience professional sporting events.
Over the years we have welcomed thousands of kids to games at Celtic Park. Since that first season, we’ve grown to be able to bring even more kids to the game and have access to sporting events. 

We believe that attending the match is something all children should be able to experience, 
regardless of background and circumstance.
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In 2008, Martin Kane, a Glasgow man living in Australia, developed Devic’s Syndrome. A rare immunological disorder where the immune system attacks the protective material that covers the nerves. He was hospitalised for months and needed specialised care.
Martin, known as “Kano” to his friends, was a massive Celtic fan. In his spare time, he was a regular contributor to the “Celtic Quick News” forum and when other members of the forum found out about his situation they quickly got together to help their fellow Celtic supporter. 
The aim, to raise £60,000 to pay for modifications to Martin’s house so he could get home and spend Christmas with his family.
In an amazing show of charity and generosity, the overall campaign exceeded the target!
After the modifications were made to Martin’s home it was decided to use the extra money to take a group of children, who had helped raise money during the campaign, to a match at Celtic Park.

The idea for The Kano Foundation was born.

John-Paul Gilmartin, Joe Mackin, and Mark Kingsman along with co-founders Marc Martin, Tony Reilly, Gordon Johnston, and Gillian McCaul came together to officially form The Kano Foundation.
With Martin Kane as the organisation’s patron, they began raising money to take more children to Celtic Park and give them a full match day experience.
Read more about Martin HERE.