The unsung heroes of grassroots football will be honoured at the 8th Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald's and The Sunday Mail.
The annual ceremony celebrates the efforts of the tireless volunteers who give their valuable time and effort to provide footballing opportunities in communities across the country.
The 2011 award categories are:
Best Coach in Youth Football - New category
This category focuses on the huge role that the coach plays in creating the best possible experience for young players. We are looking for a coach who encourages the development of the player as well as the person, creates an environment for the team to improve, and has worked hard to improve their own knowledge of the game.
Best Volunteer in Youth Football
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the game and central to the success of any football club. Volunteers will cover every job in the book and more, from acting as secretary, administrator and taxi driver to providing pitch and facility maintenance and raising funds. The list is endless and all clubs have someone they call the ‘Person that gets things done’! We are looking for that person.
Best Volunteer in Schools Football - New category
Schools football has long been the starting point for many of our footballing legends and continues to provide thousands of young people with their first experience of the game. We are looking for the teacher, janitor, pupil or parent who dedicates their own time to getting young people active during and after school.
Best Youth Football Club of the Year - New category
Grassroots Clubs provide the platform for our young players to play the game week in and week out. Without clubs in communities across the country there would be no game. We are looking for a youth football club that is progressive and inclusive and has gone beyond the basics to deliver a great experience for its players, coaches and volunteers. The club will have achieved some level of Scottish FA Quality Mark.
Best Volunteer in Adult Football
The adult amateur game in Scotland remains strong and well supported. It is an area where true unsung heroes commit their time, energy and passion to ensure that the game remains available long after players' youth and school football days are over. There are volunteers at every club across the country working tirelessly to allow thousands of players to carry their playing ambitions long into adulthood.
Best Volunteer in Disability Football
Disability football opportunities in Scotland have grown greatly over the years. Volunteers across the country work tirelessly to provide many people outside of mainstream football with the chance, not only to play for fun, but to show their ability on a European and World stage.
Best Volunteer in Women's/Girls' Football
Girls and women's football is the fastest growing sport in the world and continues to grow apace in Scotland. A strong programme has developed for for female players and clubs at all levels. We are looking for a passionate volunteer who makes things happen in the girls’ and women's game.
Merit Award for Services to Football
Our top award recognises unwavering involvement and commitment to the grassroots game. Here we honour the volunteer who has not only had longevity in the game but goes way beyond their duties for the benefit of others. In many cases this individual will be involved in a number of football organisations, holding down various positions and committing huge amounts of time to the game.
To send in nominations please click on link on right.