Hampden honours for volunteer and club

Grassroots football volunteer George Allan and Dundee West FC were recognised at the 2018 Scottish FA Grassroots awards, presented by McDonald’s, thanks to outstanding commitment to offering football to the local community.

After winning best volunteer in adult football at regional level for his support of grassroots football in Dundee, George was crowned overall national winner at the ceremony at Hampden.

Dundee West picked up the best community football club award.

George works tirelessly behind the scenes with the Craigie Community Sport Club and has worked with Morgan FP Amateur FC for over 40 years.

He is also chairman of Craigie Community Sports Hub and has been the main driving force in improving facilities, including installing an 11-a-side 3G pitch, while raising the money to build a new pavilion next to the pitch for changing rooms and a miniclass for coach education.

Dundee West, a legacy quality mark club, have more than 500 registered players, ranging from three to 65 years old.

The club has strong links with schools and delivers regular after school programmes, donates kit and equipment to schools and supports teachers by providing a football service for health days and events.

The club has a dedicated pathway to players with autism, as well as a walking football programme for elderly members of the community.

McDonald’s grassroots football ambassador Sir Kenny Dalglish said: “Grassroots football wouldn’t exist without the amazing volunteers that put so much into the game.

“These awards are an important way to recognise the time, dedication and passion from those individuals.

“Congratulations to George and Dundee West FC for their achievements and continued commitment to grassroots football.”