Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Andy is a real sporting hero
The boss of Andy’s Soccer Academy in Airdrie has been recognised for “going the extra mile”– with his efforts winning one of his youth football team new strips into the bargain.
Andy Mccall was named as the 2021 junior sporting club hero for south-east Scotland in the awards handed out by staff from Recognition Express.
Andy, who set up the academy 12 years ago, was delighted to receive the award.
He said:“i am overwhelmed by winning, which is a great achievement for myself and for my academy.
“Winning a set of strips was also great timing as one of my teams moved on to play nine-a-side football, meaning new players, more players, new strips.”
Andy was nominated for the award by his assistant academy head, David Foster, and was awarded a trophy and the brand-new kit for one of its youth teams.
Recognition Express
director David Mitchell visited a training session to present the award and meet the under-nine team in their shiny new kit.
He said:“it’s been a
tough year for everyone, but particularly for children with their disrupted schooling and not being able to meet up with friends and teammates.
“I know how hard club officials, parents and the children themselves have been working to keep up morale during the lockdown periods when clubs couldn’t meet to train or play.
“Getting everything ready for re-opening safely has been a mammoth task for all involved.
“There will always be that one stand-out individual – whether it be a coach, parent or a team member – who goes that extra mile for the club quietly and without seeking any praise or reward.
“Andy epitomises all of these qualities.”
David added:“as specialists in recognition products, promotional items and branded clothing, it makes sense for us to combine donating a new team kit to a local junior sports club whilst recognising an unsung hero.
“It gives us the chance to recognise the contribution these unsung heroes make and to give something back to the community that we serve.”