27 clubs were honoured at the annual Scottish FA South East Regional Quality Awards on Saturday 23rd January 2016. 

Easter Road Stadium 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.

Scottish FA South East Region Club Development Manager, Tony Begg, said: “The annual awards event is a chance for us to reward and highlight the great work that happens in clubs across the region and extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers within clubs who commit so much time, energy and passion to our game.”

“I was delighted we had so many teams either being re-accredited, moving up through the levels or achieving the award for the first time this year. Its testament to the great work our clubs do in their communities and I congratulate them all on their terrific achievements.

Hibernian players Danny Gandling and Danny Carmichael, along with Hibernian Chairman and Scottish FA Vice president Rob Petrie were there to help present the awards through-out the afternoon.

Two clubs, Penicuik Athletic YFC and Tranent & District CFC, received the prestigious Legacy award for the first time and Video footage was screened to showcase the work each of the clubs do in their local community, whilst guest speaker Jim Leishman also entertained the audience.

David Drummond, South East Regional manager said, “Football in communities across the Region continues to thrive and our Awards day is our way of saying thank you to so many hard working volunteers and to showcase some of the fantastic work that happens in the South East region.  Grassroots football is the backbone to our game so it’s hugely important that we support and celebrate the work being carried out that provides the platform for the game and communities the flourish.”