Hampden Park was the venue for the Scottish FA South West Region’s annual Quality Mark awards evening.

Over 100 representatives from clubs and schools that have achieved Quality Mark status came together to recognise the latest recipients. Seventeen different organisations were presented their awards by Scotland legend, Kenny Dalglish.

Watch our exclusive interview with Kenny - right.

It was an evening of mutual admiration. The attendees all marvelled at a montage of Kenny’s goals and achievements while Kenny was genuinely blown away by the dedication and hard work of the grassroots volunteers.

The Quality Mark Accreditation Scheme, run by the Scottish FA in partnership with McDonald’s, recognises proactive clubs and schools working to increase youth and community participation. There are three Quality Mark categories - Standard, Development, and Community.

Clubs and schools receive the award after meeting standards in areas such as coach and player development, management, administration, welfare and planning. So far more than 100 clubs and schools have achieved accreditation over the three categories, and over 4,000 coaches have benefited from coach education and first aid training.

An additional Merit Award for services to the game was introduced this year and Alex Tulloch of TASS Thistle in North Ayrshire was recognised for his 35 years of involvement in youth football.

Kenny said “McDonald’s and Big Lottery Fund may provide finance and support for the Quality Mark programme, but it is the coaches and volunteers here tonight who really make it happen. The programme is only as good as the people who are working in it.”

Kenny received a standing ovation after he took questions from the floor about his playing career, football development and topical issues.

A great night was had by all and everyone left with renewed enthusiasm and focus for delivering the best quality experience for our players of the future.

McDonald’s, official partner of the Scottish FA Quality Mark Accreditation Scheme, will invest £100,000 in the scheme over three years as part of its ongoing commitment to grassroots football in Scotland.

The Quality Mark scheme is supported by the Big Lottery Fund, which contributes to the employment of all Scottish FA club development staff, as well as discounted coach education and first aid courses for grassroots volunteers.

For further information on the Scottish FA Quality Mark programme, please visit www.scottishfa.co.uk/footballdevelopment