Outpouring of Support for Kilmarnock’s Skye Stout After Online Abuse

What should have been one of the proudest moments of her young life quickly turned sour for 16-year-old Skye Stout, who this week signed her first professional contract with Kilmarnock Women’s Football Club.

Photo: Kilmarnock FC Women

The talented midfielder and winger, who previously played for Celtic, was unveiled on the club’s official social media channels as she prepared to head into her first season of senior football.

Kilmarnock FC Women proudly announced:

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Skye Stout. The midfielder/winger joins the club from Celtic as she heads into her first season of senior football. Welcome to Killie Skye!”

The social post from Kilmarnock FC Women

But the celebratory post soon drew a small number of cruel remarks about the teenager’s appearance and skin condition. Rather than let negativity dominate, the club decided to remove the posts, while the focus has quickly shifted towards widespread support for the young player.

That support has come from across the political and sporting spectrum. Siobhan Brown, SNP MSP for Ayr, Prestwick & Troon, said: “No one likes to read online abuse — ignore the sad trolls and keep shining Skye.”

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf was equally vocal, writing:

“Trolls tried to abuse her, but only succeeded in uniting football fans from across Scotland and the UK. Skye has already achieved more than her trolls — at 16 she has signed with a Premier League Club. She is leagues ahead of them, and I suspect the gap will only continue to get bigger.”

Locally, Ayrshire Daily News joined forces with grassroots football organisation Progressive Touches to denounce the online comments and show solidarity. Progressive Touches praised Skye as “a wonderful role model for all of our up-and-coming players”, while ADN editor Euan Ruddick said:

“This kind of behaviour has no place in football or anywhere else. It’s time to stamp out the bullies and focus on celebrating the talent, dedication and achievements of players like Skye.”

Supporters and fellow players have since rallied around the teenager, many using hashtags such as #HerGameToo, #ShesABaller, and #SupportNotShame to send their backing.

Despite the unpleasantness, Skye’s signing remains a huge step forward in her career. At just 16, she has already earned a place in the professional game, and the overwhelming wave of encouragement shows that for every online troll, there are countless voices ready to cheer her on.