Regional Awards 2006

Exceptional Contribution over a Number of Years

Sandy Wood

Sandy has a track record going back over 44 years involvement in youth football, dating back to the old Aberdeen Youth Service FA where he was a YMCA stalwartfor thirty years. When the YMCA decided to stop running football teams Sandy offered his services to various clubs such as Portlethen, Sunnybank, Middlefield , East End and King Street .

It was at King Street SC where Sandy managed win his first trophy in forty years of football. This explodes the myth that football is a sport that is only concerned with winning. Without the likes of Sandy on the opposite touchline a great number of youngsters would not have enjoyed the game of football every weekend

Sandy has had several spells on the Executive Committee of both the Aberdeen and District Juvenile FA and the former Aberdeen Youth Service FA. He is currently secretary with the Lewis United 19’s where his wealth of knowledge and experience is much appreciated.

Volunteer of the Year

Donald Smith

Donald set up Cove Boys Club 10 years ago and in that time he has overseen the growth of the club to seven 11-a-side competitive teams and six developmental seven a side teams. There are now well over 240 members enjoying the game of football thanks to Donald’s efforts.

Earlier last year Donald’s services to Cove BC was recognised by his employers BT and Donald was awarded the sum of £3000 for his club to purchase equipment  Donald’s dedication to developing Cove BC made his award application stand out ahead of hundred of others. It recognised his exceptional commitment to voluntary service.

As well as being the Cove BC Community Club secretary he also coaches two of the club’s teams. Last year Donald was awarded a Life Membership by the Aberdeen and District Juvenile FA

Club of the Year

Upper Deeside

Celebrated their 10^th Anniversary last year . In those ten years a dedicated committee have put in place a network covering the rural villages of Aboyne, Ballater, Feughside, Lumphanan Tarland Torphins and surrounding Deeside countryside.. They are now running teams at 13’s,14’s,15’s,16’s and 19’s. They have a strong network of coaches in both Primary School Sevens and Soccer Sevens. Their hard work means that even in the remote countryside during the worst of Scotland ’s winter weather young players can enjoy the game of football.

 Its Not A One Man Band

Letter from Donald Smith

I would like to express my sincere thanks for the prestigious award of Volunteer of the Year that I received last night.

I am very disappointed that I was unable to attend the AGM last night but I had to attend the Kincorth Academy 2006 Awards Ceremony at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre with my daughter.

I am absolutely delighted to have received this award and I am grateful to those who considered me a worthy recipient. I do however feel a little humble as many other people have contributed to the growth and community success that we have achieved in Cove and the surrounding areas over the last ten years. I feel therefore that I accept this award on behalf of everyone at Cove BC as well as my own.

At present we have almost forty coaches, four parent’s representatives, and five officials who all give a great deal of time and effort to develop the football skills and social characteristics that will benefit many children for many years to come. The social skills that we try to teach children are equally as important as their football ones and at Cove we have a dedicated group of people who do all they can to teach our members the right way to do things in football and in life in general.

We have lots of work still to do and one of our main objectives at present is to gain the Quality Mark that will benefit our coaches and players alike. Whatever we can do to improve our Club and the service we provide to our members will be done. We have a number of people in our club now who could be described as “driving forces” and they are a huge assistance to me. I appreciate the work they do to improve our club and that is why I dedicate last nights award to everyone involved in Cove BC .

I must make special mention of two men who have been involved with Cove BC throughout the past decade.

Gary Thomson is our present Chairman, a past Vice Chairman, a constant committee member, and has been a coach for ten years. Gary is a very dedicated man and is one of the driving forces that I mentioned earlier. Gary is an inspiration in his role of Chairman and I know for sure he has a desire to help Cove BC scale greater heights in the years to come.

Special mention must also go the Graham Craig who has also overseen the growth and progress of Cove BC in the past decade. Throughout that time Graham has performed the duties of Club Treasurer and his tasks have multiplied year on year with the amazing growth and popularity our club has experienced. His dedication and prudent management of our financial affairs have ensured that our members are well cared for and enjoy the best facilities, equipment, and personal kit that we can possibly provide.

Thanks again for the award and I can assure you that I am absolutely delighted that the Association have recognised my and many others efforts at Cove Boys Club.

Kind Regards,

Donald Smith,

(Cove BC Secretary).