Stenhousemuir FC is celebrating after walking away with a top honour at the ninth Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail.

Stenhousemuir FC was named as Best Professional Club in the Community 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.

Founded in 1884, Stenhousemuir FC is an outstanding example of a true community football club, working with over 1000 people each week.  They are the first football league club in Scotland to become a Community Interest Company with the key goal of working for the good of the community.   In addition to coaching boys and girls teams from 3 – 17 years of age, the club also runs after school clubs, holiday camp programmes and Twilight Leagues.  In recent years, Stenhousemuir FC has built up its community work up through initiatives like the Volunteer Development Programme and the clubs links with the South African Football Association, giving coaches the opportunity to travel and work in clubs overseas.

Scottish legend and McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish, praised Stenhousemuir FC for their commitment to grassroots football in Scotland: “Football in communities is built on the dedication of clubs like Stenhousemuir FC. Without the hard work and dedication of all the grassroots clubs like Stenhousemuir FC Scottish football simply wouldn’t exist. What they have accomplished over the past year to help develop football in the community and at the club is truly worthy of the recognition that they received at the awards ceremony.

Jamie Swinney from Stenhousmuir FC added: “It is a great honour to be able to receive this award on behalf of Stenhousemuir FC. This is a great way to reward all of the volunteer’s efforts and it is an extremely proud day for the club.”

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.