Robert Fox – a joiner with one of Scotland’s leading construction firms – has made it to the final of the Young Scot Awards after setting up a football club for under 16s in Glasgow’s Croftfoot.

The Young Scot Awards, in association with The Co-operative Foundation, will take place on 26 April 2012, and celebrate the achievements of 11 to 26 year olds who have made a positive impact on the lives of others in addition to a real difference in their local community.

The 21-year-old football enthusiast – who works for Glasgow City Council’s arm’s length construction company – founded Croftfoot United FC when he was 16. The club has since grown with over 80 children now participating.

Croftfoot United FC has recently progressed from seven-a-side football to the full 11-a-side game, and Robert, along with coaches Mark Strain and Thomas Lyons, is looking forward to the forthcoming season


Robert said: "I’ve always loved football ever since my Dad took me to see my first Celtic match when I was nine. When I went to see Celtic in the UEFA Cup Final I decided I wanted to start my own club and help to find local talent."

Robert – who has worked with City Building as a joiner for almost five years – is thrilled to reach the top three in the Sport category. He will find out if he has won in a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow in late April.

He continued: "It is excellent to be recognised with a nomination at the Young Scot Awards. I have a great team and this achievement wouldn’t be possible without them. We have found some very good players so far and a couple of bigger clubs have already shown interest in them.

"My ambition is for Croftfoot United FC to keep expanding and become the largest football club on the south side of Glasgow."

John Foley, City Building managing director, said: "This is fantastic news for Robert. By giving youngsters with all levels of ability the chance to exercise, socialise and learn how to play football he is helping to bring the local community closer together.

"Robert is a skilled joiner and provides a first-class service for City Building customers. We wish him the best of luck at the Young Scot Awards, and hope that Croftfoot United FC will continue to go from strength to strength."

(GK)