TWO grassroots football volunteers from Stirling, Ben Mitchell and Josephine Rodger, have collected a national award for their commitment to offering football to the local community.

The pair won Best Young Person and Best Volunteer in Youth Football, respectively, at the 2018 Scottish FA Grassroots Awards at Hampden Park on October 18.

The Scottish FA Grassroots Awards, presented by McDonald's, recognise and celebrate volunteers and clubs across Scotland who dedicate their time to local grassroots football.

Until recently, Ben was one of Stirling Albion Junior Academy’s youngest head coaches, and is now one of the most qualified.

Throughout his time at the club, Ben has shown a great deal of willingness to maintain and grow his team and club, leading on improving their Junior Coaching programme and has just been accepted as an SFA Youth Ambassador.

Josephine is club secretary of Milton AFC, managing behind the scenes of all 23 teams.

She has shown immense dedication and commitment to the club since her son joined in 2004 and works tirelessly to support the club and represent them at various committees.

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

"Congratulations to Ben and Josephine for their achievements and continued commitment to grassroots football.”

Elliot Jardine, a local McDonald’s franchisee, whose restaurants support grassroots football in Stirling, said: “Ben and Josephine are really committed to the grassroots game and the whole community is proud of the effort and time they put in to make it the success it is.

"I hope this well-deserved recognition ensures they continue to have a huge impact on grassroots football for many years to come.”