TWO Stirling grassroots football volunteers have received national recognition for their community work.

Josephine Rodger and Ben Mitchell scooped accolades at the 2018 Scottish FA Grassroots Awards for their outstanding commitment.

Ben was named Best Young Person, while Josephine earned Best Volunteer, in Youth Football at regional level before being crowned national winners at a Hampden Park Ceremony last month.

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

He’s been involved with the club for four years and helped transition of the club’s main teams from 7 aside to 11 aside, with no loss of players and a growing waiting list.

Throughout his time at the club, Ben has shown a great deal of courage, resilience and 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’s 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.

Her committed approach to the club allows all the players with the opportunity to play football and develop their skills in a safe and welcoming environment.

The awards were presented by McDonald’s with grassroots football ambassador Sir Kenny Dalglish MBE saying: “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 Ben and Josephine for their achievements and continued commitment to grassroots football.”