Football club scores community honour
An award-winning group has scored a special honour from local residents.
Bo’ness United Community Football Club (BUCFC) has been named the winner of the McLaren Trophy for 2023.
The award is presented annually by Bo’ness Community Council to honour a person or group for outstanding services to the local area. The award is named after the late John McLaren, a reporter on the Linlithgowshire Journal and Gazette and the first-ever secretary of the Community Council.
Peter Hay from the Club said: “It is very humbling to receive an award from the local community and be respected within the local community.”
The Club was named Grassroots Community Club of the Year 2022 by the Scottish Football Association. More recently it took the bronze prize in the Best Amateur Club section of the UEFA Grassroots Awards.
From its base at Newtown Park in Bo’ness and a site at Little Carriden, on the edge of the town, BUCFC offers a “safe and positive” training environment for more than 300 children and adult players.
Madelene Hunt, the Convenor of Bo’ness Community Council, said: “From small beginnings, the Community Football Club has become a tremendous force for good in the area, encouraging scores of youngsters to be more active and get involved in football.
“I’m pleased that the Community Council is able to honour the club for all its efforts with this year’s McLaren Trophy.”
At a presentation ceremony at Newtown Park, Mrs Hunt invited Dr Margot Buchanan, the daughter of John McLaren, to present the trophy to some of the young players.
Over the years, the Trophy has been presented to one couple, one band, 17 individuals and 15 groups,” said Mrs Hunt. “I want to offer my congratulations to this year’s winners and wish them every success for the future.”
You can find out more about the Community Football Club by visiting its website at www.bucfc.com or emailing info@bucfc.com
Audio
Listen to Peter Hay, Club Development Officer at Bo’ness United Community Football Club, talk about the Club and its success winning the McLaren Trophy.
Photos
Pictured above: Dr Margot Buchanan presents the award to Kaci Johnston as Emily Kilgallon holds up the certificate.
You can also see larger pictures here:
Video
Watch this YouTube video from the Scottish FA about Bo’ness United Community Football Club, produced in 2022 to celebrate its success as “Community Club of the Year”.