Doug Johnston from Linlithgow is celebrating after walking away with a top honour at the ninth Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail.
Doug was named Best Volunteer in Girls & Women’s Football at the awards ceremony held at Hampden Park on the 27th September. The awards celebrated the efforts of the tireless volunteers who give their valuable time and effort to provide footballing opportunities in communities across Scotland.
Doug Johnston has been a real catalyst in the development of the girls’ squads and teams at Linlithgow Rose CFC over the past few years. His determination and spirit to develop women’s football in the area has seen the teams grow from strength to strength, with him giving up much of his own time to do this, from organising the club to coaching the girls.
Doug’s enthusiasm for the game is infectious and he spends much of his time visiting local schools to run taster sessions, encouraging girls to take up football and try something new. His proactive approach has seen the club bring through some great female players and the club simply wouldn't exist without him.
Scottish legend and McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish, praised Doug for his commitment to grassroots football in Scotland: “Football in communities is built on the dedication of people like Doug. Without the hard work and dedication of all the grassroots volunteers like Doug Scottish football simply wouldn’t exist. What Doug has accomplished over the past year to help develop football in the community and at his club is truly worthy of the recognition he has received at the awards ceremony.
Doug added: “I’m absolutely speechless after receiving this award and it should be dedicated to all those at Linlithgow Rose CFC. The club has a fantastic ethos and a lively atmosphere, it has been a pleasure to help the players and club develop. The award ceremony was a lot of fun and the evening was capped off by meeting Kenny Dalglish and 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.