Scottish Youth Football Association regional secretary, Jim Smith, has been awarded an MBE for services to Youth Football in the 2010 New Year Honours List.

Jim represents the SYFA on the Scottish FA West Regional Committee and Glasgow Sports Council.

Jim has been involved in youth football for 30 years, and is the founder and tournament director of the Glasgow City Cup – the international youth football tournament, now in it’s 9th year, held in Glasgow every August.

He is also the Scottish ambassador for the USA Cup international youth football tournament. He has taken both Gleniffer Thistle and Paisley United to the tournament, with Paisley United winning the Weekend Cup and Trophy in 2005. Five players also received scholarships after taking part in the tournament.

Jim Smith said: “I’m delighted with this award; it’s good to be recognised for doing something that you enjoy. Working as a regional committee in Glasgow we have been able to become more directly involved in the structure and organisation of youth football in the city, as well as continuing to organise the largest youth football tournament in Scotland, which last year was opened by Kenny Dalglish.”

Paul McNeill, Scottish FA West regional manager, said: “Jim has put a lot of time and effort into developing youth football over the years, not least through his work with the Glasgow City Cup, so this honour is well deserved.

“Everyone in the region is delighted for Jim. It’s very exciting to see someone who we work with so closely being recognised in this way, and we look forward to continuing to work together to develop the game in the West region.”  

In 2006 Jim also picked up the Royal Bank of Scotland Chairman’s Award for Community Excellence, which he received for his voluntary work in youth football.

He was also recognised by the Sports Council for Glasgow as part of their anniversary celebrations.

Jim has worked with the following youth football clubs over the past three decades:

1979-1994 - Blue Star Boys Club (Easterhouse)
1994-1995 - Rangers SABC
1996-2001 - Gleniffer Thistle Boys Club (Paisley)
2001-2006 - Paisley United Boys Club (Paisley)