Colin MacFarlane

In 1996, following a career as professional football player, Colin became a Volunteer Youth Worker with YMCA Scotland and the Princes Trust Volunteers, supporting the delivery of a twelve week personal development programme. Colin soon found this to be his chosen vocation and was fortunate to gain full time employment with the YMCA delivering the programme in Motherwell. At this time Colin also completed his university degree in Community Education. After six years working with the Princes Trust Colin subsequently moved to Bellshill and Mossend YMCA as the Youth Work Manager. During his time as the Youth Work Manager Colin managed the team to develop a range of new services for children and young people across North Lanarkshire. After five years Colin was promoted to the position of Association Manager and worked there until June 2015, increasing the profile of the YMCA and developing partnerships with other voluntary organisations and statutory services.

Moving to YMCA Scotland in July 2015 as the National Programme Manger for Plusone Colin has returned to his roots as he was part of the design of and piloting of the Plusone intervention. In his role as National Programme Manager Colin has supported the international growth of YMCA Scotland’s Plusone Mentoring programme in both Canada and Ireland while developing new programme activity in Scotland.

In addition to his work life Colin volunteers in a variety of settings. Colin is Chair of the Third Sector Interface in North Lanarkshire, VANL and a Football coach with East End Thistle in Glasgow.

Colin lives in Coatbridge and spends his spare time with his wife and three children.