A fund set up in memory of a former soldier to help athletics clubs transform the lives of young people has raised over £25,000 – with its founders hoping to double the amount by the time the first grants are distributed later this year in conjunction with Sported.

Major Kevin McCool, from County Armagh, was a schools international at cross-country and a 1500 metres champion in Northern Ireland’s schools championships before joining the Army.

He was killed, aged 32, when he was attacked while off-duty in 2023. Commissioned from Sandhurst, he saw service in Europe, the Middle East, the Falklands, and Africa.

However, he continued to embrace running and his family have created a legacy fund that targets social reconstruction through sport to “address the root causes that draw young people towards a life of crime and prevent future cases that mirror Kevin’s story.”

The monies will be used to provide grants to athletics groups in Northern Ireland in partnership with Sported, and to fund three targeted projects which support young people in Kenya: DBA Africa, Complete Sports and Shoe4Africa.

“As a family, we know criminality has deep and complex causes that start early and that’s why we want to honour Kevin’s memory by addressing the root causes,” said Kevin’s sister, May McCool.

“He was passionate about making a difference but was also positively shaped by being an athlete. We’re pleased that we can already plan to fund projects that tackle inequalities and better the lives of young people. However we’re hopeful we can continue to raise more funds to create a legacy at home and abroad from his death.”

The fund is due to formally launch its giving programme in the autumn.

“We know how sport can change young lives and tackle some of society’s biggest problems, including anti-social behaviour, rural isolation and community cohesion,” said Sported’s Northern Ireland manager Judith Rankin.

“Athletics clubs have a proud track record in providing a positive environment as Olympic gold medallist, Sir Mo Farah, has highlighted from his own upbringing. And we plan to ensure the funds provided make a long-lasting impact in Kevin’s memory.

Donations for the fund can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kevin-mccool