Lenzie coach Billy recognised as grassroots hero

Billy receives his award from Elliot Jardine of McDonalds. With them are Partick Thistlle boss Alan Archibald and Stenhousemuir manager Brown Ferguson.

Billy has been named as Central Region’s Volunteer of the Year in Youth Football.

And he now goes forward as the region’s nomination for the national awards which are run under the Scottish FA Grassroots Awards Scheme.

Billy was one of five grassroots heroes from across Central Region who were recognised for their commitment to grassroots football and was presented with his award on the pitch at Ochilview before the recent Betfred Cup match between Stenhousemuir and Partick Thistle.

Billy has been involved in coaching youth football for nearly 30 years and is also the CSFDA/CSFA league secretary for competitive and development football in Central Area which has approximately 200 teams.

Lenzie YC are an SFA Quality Mark Club an award which Billy has been the driving force behind, along with great help from all the club’s coaches and founder Ian Stevenson.Billy said: “I’d just like to thank all the people who voted for me and those coaches, players and parents who have worked with me at Lenzie.

“I still meet up with ex-players in their late 20s who say their days playing for the club were their best days being part of a team and great club, giving them life skills, teamwork and self discipline.

“I’d also like to thank my fellow volunteers on the executive committee of Central Scotland Youth Football Association which has grown from strength to strength with approximately 300 teams involved under our banner,