Press release for Letham winning awards from the SFA Grassroots and Perth & Kinross PACES 22 January 2010
Download from SFA web page Grassroots awards (describes what it is all about)
The unsung heroes of grassroots football were honoured at the 7th Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, in partnership with McDonald’s and The Sunday Mail.
Scotland national coach Craig Levein was at Hampden Park on Thursday 21 January to present the awards, alongside Scotland legend, and McDonald’s head of Scottish football, Kenny Dalglish.
The annual ceremony celebrates the efforts of the tireless volunteers who give their valuable time and effort to provide footballing opportunities in communities across the country.
Scottish FA director of football development said: “The Grassroots Awards give us the chance to celebrate our wonderful grassroots game, and honour the people who keep football going across the country – the game can’t survive without their enthusiasm and commitment.
“Many congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and indeed the thousands of volunteers up and down the country who all deserve our thanks.”
Kenny Dalglish said: “I’ve been involved with the partnership between McDonalds and the Scottish FA since it began more than seven years ago, and I have personal experience of the wonderful impact it has had on boys and girls from all walks of life who love football.
“We can’t do without the dedicated people who coach, encourage and motivate players every week. I was delighted to meet just a few of them tonight, and I congratulate all of this year’s winners.”
The 2010 Grassroots Award Winners:
Best Primary School
in McDonald’s Programme
Glenburn Primary School, Prestwick
Volunteer in Youth Football
Stewart Laird, Fernieside FC, Edinburgh
McDonald’s Programme Coach of the Year
Scott Madden
Volunteer in Women’s/Girls’ Football
Mary McDonald and Josie Cameron
Dundee United Sports Club
Best Primary School Teacher
in McDonald’s Programme
Claire McManus
Woodburn Primary School, Dalkeith
Volunteer in Disabled Football
Lex Shields
Most Supportive McDonald’s Restaurant
Hamilton Retail Park
Volunteer in Adult Football
Tommy Munro, Ancrum AFC, Scottish Borders
Most Supportive Professional Player
Mark Staunton, East Fife FC
Team of the Year
Grampian MLD Squad
McDonald’s Grassroots
Club of the Year
Letham Community Sports Club, Perth
Merit Award for Services to Football
Douglas Dalgleish, Tynecastle FC, Edinburgh
McDonald's and The Scottish FA, Community Partners since 2002, have developed a Community Coaching Programme to raise standards in grassroots football.
The programme has created over 1,400 community coaches across Scotland, providing over 80,000 children with access to quality coaching during school time.
In 2008, McDonald's announced a further three-year partnership to support the Scottish FA's grassroots club development initiative, Quality Mark.
On Thursday night at Hampden Park, Glasgow, Letham Community Sports Club was honoured to receive the McDonald’s Grassroots Club of the Year award for 2010. The presentation was made by Scottish Legend Kenny Dalglish and the newly appointed Scotland manager Craig Levein. The club operates with 18 active teams (boys & girls) and promotes Soccer Schools for players in Primary one to Primary three. It is one of the biggest clubs in the East of Scotland.
President Ken Drummond said:-What a wonderful award not only for all at the club but also for the Letham community and for the City of Perth. In our 50th year since the club was formed we are delighted that our standard of work in the community is recognised at a National Level.
Vice President Ian Elrick said:- :- This award goes to all the members/volunteers/coaches and managers for there hard work and dedication to seeing that all our players have a safe and enjoyable environment in which to enjoy their sport, I would like to say a big thank you to the East Region SFA Development team in particular to Kevin Lee in helping us achieve the Standards that the Club have achieved.
Scott McGoldrick, Manager /coach of Letham under 17’s said: - Letham have 57 trained coaches as well as 32 First Aid personnel all volunteers. This award is for them also for all their hard work and dedication to provide the club’s programme of football for so many young players.
Letham has a long history in providing sport for players and for developing young talent. It also has provided two National Presidents for the Scottish Juvenile F.A. as well as a Life Member Award for services to Juvenile football. It is also one of only fifteen clubs in Scotland to achieve the highest Quality Award for the Scottish Football Association
Last Wednesday Letham Community Sports Club were in the first group of ten clubs in the area to be officially recognised for their commitment to developing high quality, safe and a welcoming environment for their users. Local clubs have been working closely with the Council’s Sports Development Team and Active Schools co-ordinators to reach the very highest of standards. The ten clubs involved have now achieved “Perth and Kinross Accredited Club Excellence Scheme (PACES) award. The Letham Club again are delighted that their quality mark work in the community is being recognised and reaches the highest standards that can be measured.
Ken Drummond