UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26: Best Grassroots Club
by , UEFA.com · UEFA.comBased in Glasgow, Pollok United have created an inclusive home for football and community activity by transforming three disused sporting facilities in the city. This includes 21-acre Nethercraigs, where the club is now giving 550 regular players access to both football and other health and well-being activities.
Creating a community hub
After the COVID-19 pandemic forced Nethercraigs to shut, Pollok United worked with the city council and local partners to take over and reopen the site.
"It saved a critical facility in the south-west of Glasgow," says Andy Elliot, club manager. "The facility is absolutely in the heart of the community and we needed to open it up."
Now, in addition to Pollok United, around 150 other local teams use the facility regularly, bringing the total of users per month up to 10,000 – including spectators and community use.
"Every team that comes here are seen as a partner and will get the same welcome and opportunity," adds Elliot.
Open arms to all
Pollok United prides itself on its inclusive approach. Beyond football, local schoolchildren, asylum seekers and refugees are all beneficiaries of the club’s facilities, and the club works hand in hand with the Scottish government’s "New Scots" programme to support integration for newcomers.
All members of the community can access a gym, dance studio or athletics track, but most importantly, it is a place for people to come together.
"It’s great that folk are just getting out of the house and we can provide access to the facilities," says Elliott.
UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26 winners
How Pollok United can be an example
The Scottish Football Association see Pollok United as a perfect example for others to follow in the way they provide football and other services to their community.
"We want our community clubs to anchor themselves within the community and provide other services, not just football," says Paul McNeill, the Scottish FA's head of community football. "Football is the key, but we also talk about the ‘power of football’ to involve all members of the community in different ways."
Best Grassroots Club 2025/26: silver and bronze winners
🥈Silver: Boldklubben Union (Denmark)
Boldklubben Union is a community-focused club providing football opportunities for people of all ages in Copenhagen, with their membership rising from 500 to 1,500 in the last three years.
🥉Bronze: Football Club Pobrežje Maribor (Slovenia)
Football Club Pobrežje Maribor is a leading Slovenian grassroots club providing inclusive football for 350 players from all backgrounds, organising festivals, workshops and welcoming programmes.
What are the UEFA Grassroots Awards?
The UEFA Grassroots Awards are presented each year to recognise community football clubs and projects across Europe that have made outstanding contributions to the game.
Candidates are nominated by UEFA's member national associations, with winners selected by our Development and Technical Assistance Committee following recommendations from the UEFA Grassroots Panel.
The awards are presented in partnership with EA Sports FC and Lidl as part of our wider grassroots partnerships, supporting participation, development and positive experiences through football. Gold winners receive €10,000, with silver and bronze winners receiving €6,000 and €4,000 respectively to support their ongoing work.
Since their launch in 2010, 157 UEFA Grassroots Awards have been presented to winners from 45 national associations.