Drumchapel United receive the Queen's Award for Volunteering

Read the Glasgow Times article here

Drumchapel United Football club are celebrating after winning the highest award for volunteers in the UK.

Over 100 volunteers are the club were today awarded with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Since it was established in 2002, Drumchapel United have run a series of programmes and projects to help the local community, including their club Foodbank, Christmas toy collection and their period poverty programme.

Scott Bland, club Secretary, said: "Drumchapel United is extremely honoured to receive such a prestigious award. We are very proud of all our 136 volunteers who give up their free time to help in their communities. I pay tribute to them all. This award belongs to them. We continue to have big ambitions."

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups that benefit local communities. It was established in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.

The club will expect to receive the award later in the summer from Lord Provost Philip Braat, in his capacity as Lord Lieutenant. He congratulated the club upon receiving the prestigious award in recognition of its voluntary work.

He said: "I look forward to the time when I can present Scott Bland, Drumchapel United's Secretary, with this award on behalf of HM the Queen. It is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the United Kingdom and it is well deserved. Their tireless and diverse voluntary work is a credit to their members. This week is National Volunteers Week, an opportunity for us all to celebrate all volunteers working within our communities. It is a happy coincidence that the wonderful volunteering work of Drumchapel United FC has been recognised by HM the Queen at this time. I am sure everyone will want to join me in sending the city's congratulations and gratitude to the club."

Local Councillor, Paul Carey, said: "As the local councillor for Drumchapel/Anniesland, I am absolutely delighted that they have been awarded the Queen's Award. This is down to the hard work of the parents and coaches.I remember over a decade ago when I first met the coaches that created Drumchapel United. I knew then that this would turn into something special for the young people to access football. I would like to mention Scott Bland this is the guy who constantly fought the corner for Drumchapel United time and time again; he reminded the Council of the benefit of young people getting into sport - well done again folks."