Grassroots hero Billy Alexander, 26, from Tarbolton, has been named winner of the Scottish FA’s South West region’s Volunteer in Girls & Women’s Football Award in the 2012 Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail.
Bob McWilliam, from Kilmarnock, has won the region’s Volunteer in Schools Football Award.
Dave McKenna, 63, from East Kilbride scooped the Volunteer in Disability Football Award.
Trevor Wilson, from Dumfries, won the Volunteer in Youth Football Award.
Billy has been the Head Coach of the Ayr United under-11 girls’ team for three years - increasing participation year-on-year, with 18 young girls now members of the squad.
Billy has also seen a number of his squad progress to regional squad level thanks to his coaching. He regularly fundraises to ensure the club’s future, and regularly helps to coach other age-levels within the club, ensuring all teams are getting the coaching they deserve.
Bob has been tirelessly committed to the organisation and promotion of schools football in Ayrshire for more than 50 years, over this time he has held every position on the Ayrshire Schools Football Association (ASFA) committee and remains actively involved in the running of the association
During his five decades of involvement, Bob has overseen the ASFA grow to what it is today, with two teams selected from more than 26 schools in the region, competing annually in the Scottish Schools National Trophies.
Dave has been coaching at East Kilbride FC for several years, however he has recently moved into coaching disability football sessions at a local school with the club,East Kilbride FC.
Dave has been instrumental in East Kilbride FC winning a Football Development Award and expanding the club to more than 25 teams across a range of ages and abilities. Dave has also further been involved grassroots football by becoming an active committee member with the Lanarkshire Football Development Association.
Dave continues to be involved in all aspects of the club – from running training sessions to cleaning the changing rooms. Dave’s dedication built a football club which prides itself on offering opportunities to local children to play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Trevor was the founding member of Lochar Thistle Youths AFC in Dumfries which is now in its 25th season and features teams from under-8s up to under-17s.
Trevor has held a number of positions at the club since he founded it back in 1987 - first as coach, then as a committee member, and now as its chair.
Throughout that time he has worked hard to provide good facilities for the local children to participate in sport in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Trevor is also a strong supporter of the local youth league and is always keen to develop football in the South West of Scotland further. Trevor's goal is to ensure that local children throughout Dumfries and Galloway have the opportunity to play football and become involved in the game.
Graeme Mathie, club development manager for the Scottish FA’s South West said: “Our winners are legends of the game in our eyes and it is right that we take the time, not just to recognise their dedication to the game, but also to say thank you for the enthusiasm and time that they gives up.
“Without the 1000s of volunteers dedicating their time and effort passing on their skills to others, grassroots football in local communities simply wouldn’t happen. I want to wish our winners the best of luck in the national awards later this year, and we look forward to hearing the results.”