GRASSROOTS 2017
Jane Lavery didn’t get involved in the game until her 40s – but she’s still the first member of her footballdaft family to meet hero Kenny Dalglish.
And what a way to do it, collecting the top accolade at this year’s McDonald’s/Sunday Mail Grassroots Awards.
Jane’s incredible dedication to the flourishing girls’ and disabled sections at Pollok United saw her lift the Merit Award for Services to Grassroots Footbal l on another humbl ing Hampden night recognising football’s unsung heroes.
From hundreds of nominations, she was voted for by the public to be one of a dozen volunteers and community projects rewarded from Montrose to Musselburgh and from Carnoustie to Coo Park United in Falkirk.
After receiving her award from 102cap, European Cup-winning legend King Kenny, thrilled Jane said: “We have over 90 girls but they’re not there to play football, they’re there to be part of a community, a team.
“I’m humbled to be here. My brothers have played football all their lives, my dad played, my sons play, my husband plays.
“But I’m the first in my family who’s had their picture taken with Kenny Dalglish! They’ll all have something to say about that.
“I just wish I’d got involved in the game sooner. I was in my 40s before I did and I’m so glad. It has been more medicinal for me and does more for my health and well-being than any of the girls.
“I’m so happy when parents bring the girls along to play because it means more to me than it does to them that they get so much out of it.
“I wished my dad had got me involved when I was child because I’d be a much better coach than I am now.
“Take your girls and daughters to play and watch, not just your sons. They deserve to be there. Look at the Scotland women’s team. There is so much to be gained from being part of a team, from being part of something bigger.” It’s the 14th year of the Grassroots Awards and 2017 unearthed the usual special selection of volunteers, recognising the people who are the beating heart of football in every corner of the country. Helping Kenny hand out the gongs was an icon of the women’s game, 104-cap Suzanne Winters. Pe opl e ’ s Awa rd winners Kevin O’Neil and Phil Hope were recognised for their work with hundreds of kids in their communities in Blantyre and Carnoustie.
Montrose and their Links Park Community Trust were recognised for their stellar work that touches one in every four people in the town.
Drumchapel United were given the accolade of best Community Club, Glenrothes Strollers the best Disabled Project, while the brilliant Coo Park United’s work with 260 kids in an area of serious deprivation was hailed by a packed house.
Best Professional Club in the Community
Football Restaurant of the Year
Football Mum of the Year (West End Thistle)