The Academy Board is delighted to announce that Girls 11’s age group coach, Billy Alexander, has been awarded the Scottish FA/McDonald’s 2012 Grassroots award for Best Volunteer in Girls/Women’s Football.
As reported a few weeks ago, Billy had been nominated for the award having managed to beat off some tough competition from other coaches throughout Scotland.
The Grassroots awards have been devised by the Scottish FA and McDonalds to recognise and reward those people that make grassroots football happen week in, week out, in communities around Scotland.
Billy has been a coach with the Academy since October 2009 and has an Honours Degree in Sports Coaching and Development. He coaches the Academy girls on a Monday, Wednesday and the Development Group boys on a Friday night and also coaches in schools around South Ayrshire when he’s not with the Academy.
On his coaching involvement, Billy said,
“I do it because I love it. The fact I’ve created a positive impression is humbling but I’m delighted I’ve created that level of trust. That’s what I want, that parents and teachers believe I’m doing my best for their kids and not wasting their time”.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way and I can’t imagine anything more satisfying than seeing the smile on a kid’s face playing football“.
“It’s not about winning; it’s about having them enjoy the sport.”
Davie White, Head of Football Development, said:
“Billy has set an example to all of our coaches, showing great commitment and giving so much of his time to footballers of both sexes across the community. But his heart is in his management of the Girls teams. He has played a huge part in building up the Academy’s Girls Development Programme, having been with us almost from its start, some 3 years ago. He is great guy to have around and we are all delighted that his efforts have been so widely recognised.”
The Academy would like to congratulate Billy on this fantastic achievement and we are sure that he will continue his great work with his teams.
Reported by Chris Higgins
