Hearts' Community & Football Development Department have been named among Europe's finest after scooping a major prize at the UEFA Grassroots Awards.
The Jambos won the Silver Award for their work engaging over 3,000 players and 6,000 coaches at home and abroad with the popular 'Play the Game' initiative, which aims to bring the essence and benefits of street football back to the grassroots game.
‘Play the Game’, with former Hearts player Alan McLaren as its ambassador, has engaged youngsters, coaches and volunteers from grassroots football across Scotland, and has now been deservedly recognised on the European stage — marking a remarkable journey since the programme began in 2018.
Alan ‘Chalky’ White, Head of Community at Heart of Midlothian, paid tribute to everyone who has embraced the initiative
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, he said:
“Play the Game was created to inspire a positive culture shift within our grassroots game and to help us appreciate more what kids love about the game — something that can be difficult as adults, as we often forget how we saw the game at 5, 9 or 14 years old.
"We’ve focused on promoting the benefits of play and games-based practice, giving today’s kids the opportunity to enjoy the same freedom, creativity and love for the game that street football once provided. It was born out of a 2016 trip to Rwanda where we would see kids would playing for hours on tricky terrain wearing just sandals or bare feet but showing fantastic technical ability and agility.
Just as importantly, Play the Game is about supporting the grassroots volunteers who are the engine room of our game, creating opportunities for thousands of young people to play across the country.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to UEFA and the Scottish FA for recognising the programme, and to all Hearts and programme partner staff who have supported its development. A special thank you also goes to all the kids that have participated, the grassroots clubs, schools and coaches who have been part of this fantastic journey so far.”
Paul McNeill, Head of Community Football at the Scottish FA added “I’m delighted Heart of Midlothian FC have received the UEFA Silver Award for Best Professional Club, an outstanding achievement. Their Play the Game initiative is a fantastic example of how clubs can lead the way, closely aligning with the Scottish FA ‘Let Them Play’ campaign and creating positive, safe environments for young people to enjoy the game.
"We’re incredibly proud of Hearts and the impact they continue to make in their community. This recognition reflects the strength of partnership working across Scottish football, when we come together, we can make a real difference. A massive congratulations to everyone involved this is a proud moment for the club and for the wider game in Scotland.”
Iain Levien, Heart supporter and friend of the club who kindly funded the programme at its inception said, “It has been a privilege to support Heart of Midlothian F.C. in developing Play the Game. By championing the creativity and enjoyment of street football, the programme has given young people and volunteer coaches across the community new ways to engage with the game.
"The Silver award from the UEFA Grassroots Programme is a wonderful recognition of that work.”
About Play the Game at Hearts and links to programmes within can be found by clicking HERE.
Pictures L-R: Ryan Hildersley, CJ Sandison, Chris Laidlaw, Graeme Colmer, Alan White
