Grassroots hero Alistair West, from Dundee, has been named winner of the Scottish FA's East region's Volunteer in Youth Football Award, in the 2012 Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail.
The Grassroots Awards celebrate those young players, coaches and volunteers in the six Scottish FA regions, who dedicate their time to supporting grassroots football in their local community.
Alistair West, has been volunteering in football for over two years and in this time has progressed to coaching the Under 6 and Under 8 teams at Riverside Community Sports Club.
His passion to develop the club has seen no bounds, not only does Alistair organise the coaches in his age groups - ensuring that they have the correct Scottish FA coaching badges - he has also progressed the development of a girls section for the first time in the clubs history.
Most importantly however Alistair acts as the link between the surrounding schools and Riverside Community Sports Club, developing a lasting legacy in the clubs name.
Since adopting the position at the club there has been considerable growth allowing the club to offer as many young footballers the opportunity to play.
As winner of the Regional Volunteer in Youth Football Award Alistair will now be included in the national shortlist, with the National Award winners being announced at a special ceremony at Hampden Park on Thursday September 27th.
Kevin Lee, football development Officer for the Scottish FA in the East region, said: “Alistair is a legend of the game in our eyes and it is right that we take the time, not just to recognise his dedication to the game, but also to say thank you for the enthusiasm and time that Alistair gives up.
"Without the thousands of volunteers, like Alistair, dedicating their time and effort passing on their skills to others, grassroots football in local communities simply wouldn’t happen.
"I want to wish him the best of luck in the national awards later this year and we look forward to hearing the results.”
Alistair said: “It is a fantastic feeling to have been recognised across the region and I am extremely humbled.
"The people and community that support this club are fantastic and I wouldn’t do all of this if it wasn’t for them. I just hope that I can do them all proud now I have been put through to the National Awards shortlist.”
Other winners from the East FA include:
• Best Volunteer in Adult Football – Jimmy Leitch
• Best Volunteer in Disability Football – Richard Monese, Gregor MacDonald and Nick Cadger
• Best Volunteer in Schools Football – Brian Harris
• Best Volunteer in Girls and Women’s Football – Liz Anderson
Voting for the national awards is still open. To vote now for your Professional or Community Club of the Year and Coach of the Year click here.
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