Yvonne Alexander from Inverurie is celebrating after walking away with a top honour at the ninth Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail.
Yvonne was named as Best Volunteer in Disability Football at the awards ceremony held at Hampden Park on the 27th September. The awards celebrated the efforts of the tireless volunteers who give up their time to provide footballing opportunities in communities across Scotland.
Yvonne turned her football coaching talent to the development of a squad for disability footballers five years ago. The squad, ranging in age from 12 to 20 years old, features 27 members with players that have both learning disabilities and cerebral palsy.
Yvonne’s passion for the game and her determination to offer football coaching to those with disabilities in Grampian, means her players can shine in the sport that she loves to be involved with.
Scotland legend and McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish, praised Yvonne for her commitment to grassroots football in Scotland: “Football in communities is built on the dedication of people like Yvonne. Without the hard work and dedication of all the grassroots volunteers like Yvonne Scottish football simply wouldn’t exist. What Yvonne has accomplished over the past year to help develop football in the community and at her club is truly worthy of the recognition he received at the awards ceremony.
Yvonne added: “It is fantastic to have received the award and I feel extremely proud to do so. There are so many wonderful people involved in grassroots football in Scotland, it’s a little overwhelming to have been recognised in this way and to have met legends of the game such as Kenny Dalglish and Scotland manager Craig Levein.”
Dalglish added: “As a long-term supporter of football in Scottish communities, McDonald’s is proud to champion those that give up so much of their time, providing young footballers the opportunity to shine in a fun and friendly environment.”
The ninth Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail were held at Hampden Park on 27th September 2012. The awards cover ten categories including Best Volunteer in Youth Football, Best Community Football Club and McDonald’s Franchisee Community Champion Award.
Over the last 10 years McDonald’s has been committed to raising the standards of grassroots football, working alongside the Scottish FA. McDonald’s now support over 4,500 grassroots clubs, have created over 2,000 new community coaches and have seen the launch of 1,800 new football teams. By 2014 McDonald’s will work with the Scottish FA to encourage the participation of 13,000 new volunteers and 10,000 new coaches in grassroots football across Scotland.