He is a firm supporter of grassroots football, and strongly believes that the volunteers who make it all happen are crucial to every aspect of our national game.
"Without them we wouldn't have a game," said McAllister.
"My memories of youth football are very dear to me. There are a number of individuals without whom I would never have made it in the game. More importantly I wouldn't have fallen in love with football without them."
Find out more about Gary's journey into professional football and Scotland stardom here.
You can nominate your grassroots hero for the Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald's and the Sunday Mail, up until the 4th of June. Don't miss the chance to reward those who go above and beyond for the benefit of our game.

![Image: Gary McAllister talks grassroots football [Migrated]](https://images.ctfassets.net/qu0slcxvbwp6/a9DfHDVPOOjpGE32LqGik/be38fd18ee24245aa2e6f354f5af70a0/gm_640x360.jpg?fm=webp&fit=fill&f=face&w=640&h=360)
![Image: Pollok United voted Best Grassroots Club as they scoop prestigious UEFA award [Migrated]](https://images.ctfassets.net/qu0slcxvbwp6/7CgpazxGCSdo5797EiLvsL/9ed09d81edcd2cdbe1c991be0e0ac95b/uefa-grassroots-awards-2026-best-amateur-club.jpg?fm=webp&fit=fill&f=face&w=6000&h=4000)
![Image: Pitching In: Symington Tinto AFC [Migrated]](https://images.ctfassets.net/qu0slcxvbwp6/3Jsl9KgQNVkagLnV4nJt4S/7de3bad95f5bc55f292d1f1cbc1651f5/untitled-1000-500-px-16.png?fm=webp&fit=fill&f=face&w=1000&h=500)
![Image: Pitching In: where real change kicks off [Migrated]](https://images.ctfassets.net/qu0slcxvbwp6/1t7p6EWgtxJcX7JXGGcZ4L/7acd3357bd910e12f1f56a4270df2298/pitchin-in-header.png?fm=webp&fit=fill&f=face&w=1000&h=500)