With the European Championships fast approaching, 2012 is set to be a very big year in football, and nominations are now open for the Scottish FA Community Awards.
The Community Awards aim to recognise and reward those individuals across the country who make a difference to grassroots football in their local community, volunteering hours of their time to develop tomorrow’s young talent and spread best practice in clubs up and down the country.
A range of awards are available, including ‘Best Volunteer in Youth Football’, ‘Best Volunteer in Disability Football’, and ‘Best Volunteer in Women’s Football.’
To find out more about the Awards, and how you can nominate a coach, club or volunteer here in Barrhead that deserves recognition, please visit http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/video_gallery.cfm?page=3009 and follow @2012grassroots #grassrootsheroes on Twitter.
Or NOMINATE NOW.
There will be a local, regional and national ceremony to celebrate each of the winners, and you can also apply for grants to support our local football clubs, and nominate a Player Escort for the next international game.
Jim said: "Grassroots football is the lifeblood of the game, and the Community Awards are a small way of rewarding those unsung heroes who give up their free time to make it possible for kids to play and show their potential. I know there are a lot here in East Renfrewshire.
"With nominations now open, there's plenty of time to put forward your recommendations to recognise your football hero."
There are five regional awards categories in which you can nominate your hero now:
Best Volunteer in Youth Football
Best Volunteer in Schools Football
Best Volunteer in Adult Football
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Best Volunteer in Disability Football
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Best Volunteer in Women's/Girls' Football
The regional winners will be selected in August and celebrated at six regional award ceremonies. The regional winners will then become the shortlist in the same category at the 9th annual Grassroots Awards ceremony.
There will be five additional categories at the national Grassroots Awards. The nomination process for these categories will open later in the year:
Best Professional Club in the Community
Best Community Football Club
McDonald’s Franchisee Community Champion
Best Coach of the Year
Merit Award for services to football
Best Volunteer in Youth Football
Volunteers remain the life blood of our game and are central to the success of any football club or league. All clubs have someone they call the ‘Person who gets things done’.
Best Volunteer in Schools Football
School football has long been the place where many of our footballing legends are born and continues to provide thousands of young people with their first
experience of the game. It could be a teacher, janitor, pupil or
parent who dedicates their own time to get young people active during and
after school.
Best Volunteer in Adult Football
The adult amateur game in Scotland remains strong and well supported. There are volunteers at every club across the country working tirelessly for thousands of us to carry on our playing ambitions long into adulthood.
Best Volunteer in Disability Football
Opportunities to play disability football in Scotland have grown greatly over the years. Many people outside of mainstream football have the chance, not only to play for fun, but to show their ability on a European and worldstage, supported by dedicated volunteers.
Best Volunteer in Women's/Girls' Football
Girls’and women's football continues to grow in Scotland, where a strong programme has developed for female players and clubs at all levels. Nominate a passionate volunteer who makes things happen in the girls’ and womens’ game.