35 clubs, were honoured at the annual Scottish FA South West Regional Quality Awards on Saturday. 

The Park Hotel, located next to Kilmarnock FC’s Rugby Park, played host to the event where clubs and volunteers were recognised for their outstanding work in the grassroots game.

To gain one of the awards - Standard, Development, Community or Legacy – clubs must meet the relevant Quality Mark criteria.



Designed to support and recognise the work of clubs who have the desire to be the very best they can be, the Scottish FA Quality Mark accreditation programme aims to improve and support club structures concerning management, development, administration, planning and welfare.

Former Kilmarnock captain Garry Hay assisted in the presentation of the awards alongside Louise Roe and Andy Gibson from McDonald’s, the official sponsor of the Scottish FA’s community clubs.??A video featuring Community and Legacy Level clubs, produced Youth Football Scotland, was screened to showcase the work each of the clubs do in their local community, whilst guest speaker John Gahagan also entertained the audience as he recalled stories from his playing days with Motherwell and Greenock Morton.

Scottish FA South West Regional Manager, John Brown, said: "The Quality Mark Awards is an opportunity to highlight all the good work done in grassroots football throughout the region and we are pleased that so many clubs have engaged in the process this year.

"We are delighted with the continued support from our community partners McDonald’s, and it speaks volumes for the strength of the relationship that Louise and Andy were so willing to give up their time on a Saturday afternoon to assist with the awards presentation.

"For many of the clubs being recognised, Quality Mark is a key component of their vision and ethos, and for others who are just starting the journey it has helped them think more about planning for the future and becoming more sustainable.’’??Scottish FA South West Regional Club Development Manager, David Sheldon, said: "It has been a pleasure working with every one of these clubs this year.

"It is always amazing to see the amount of time and effort people are prepared to give on a voluntary basis just to let people play football, and the awards are a great way to say thank you and to recognise the work the volunteers do.’’