Grassroots hero Graham Robertson, from Kilmacolm, has been named winner of the Scottish FA’s West region’s Best Volunteer in Youth Football Award, in the 2012 Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail.
Charlie Henderson and Alistair MacPherson, both from Paisley, have received the Best Volunteer in School’s Football Award and Best Volunteer in Adult Football Award respectively.
Stuart Aitchison and Kathleen Toal have been named joint winners of the Best Volunteer in Disability Football Award due to their fantastic work for Glasgow City Powerchair FC.
Laura Williamson has won the Best Volunteer in Girls and Women’s Football Award thanks to her tireless work and dedication to Glasgow City FC.
Quarriers United was the brainchild of Graham Robertson.
Due to no local team for the Kilmacolm/Quarriers Village catchment area being available Graham set about creating one for the local community.
Since being founded in 2004 the club has since grown to include 150 boys and girls aged between six and 15 playing local football on a weekly basis and thanks to Graham’s superb work the club recently achieved the Scottish FA Quality Mark.
Alistair MacPherson was nominated for his relentless campaigning and volunteering within the schools game for over 50 years having been a member of the Paisley and District Schools FA since the 1960’s.
Thanks to Alistair’s hard work and dedication for more than half a century, hundreds of local kids have enjoyed football in a safe and welcoming environment.
Charlie Henderson picked up the Best Volunteer in Adult Football Award thanks to his work with Paisley FC, which he helped establish in 1974 and has been the driving force behind the club ever since.
Even a hip replacement and heart attack 10 years ago could not stop him from making sure the strips were washed, pitches booked, white lines painted out and referee paid to ensure that the boys get a game.
Charlie is still involved in the day-to-day running of the club to this day, helping to ensure that the club continues to grow and is seen as a key institution in the local community.
Stuart Aitchison and Kathleen Toal founded Glasgow City Powerchair FC.
This club was the first of its kind in Scotland for adults and young players with severe difficulties who use a powerchair for mobility.
The club has grown from four regular attendees during the pilot phase to 17 players today, featuring both male and female ranging from nine - 26 years old.
The club has been a revelation for young powerchair users across the West of Scotland - leading the way for powerchair football in Scotland.
The commitment and passion shown by these two volunteers has enabled these young players to participate in Scotland's passion for football.
As winner of the awards, the winners will now be included in the national shortlist, with the National Award winners being announced at a special ceremony at Hampden Park on Thursday September 27th.
Danny Bisland, club development manager for the Scottish FA’s West region, 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 them for the enthusiasm and time that they give up.
“Without the 1000s of volunteers, like these three, dedicating their time and effort passing on their skills to others, grassroots football in local communities simply wouldn’t happen. I want to wish them the best of luck in the national awards later this year, and we look forward to hearing the results.”