Footballer from Greenock has netted a top Scottish FA award for being an ambassador for the game

Kristy Mcgunnigle has been crowned 'best young volunteer' in the west region at the governing body's annual Grassroots Awards.

The 19-year-old has been honoured for working with a number of organisations to promote the beautiful game, including the SFA, Inverclyde Active Schools and as a player for Renfrew Ladies.

She received her trophy at a special Hampden reception before a match between Queen's Park and St Mirren and then paraded the prize on the pitch at half-time with other winners.

Kristy, who lives in Maple Road, said: "It was quite unexpected.

"I was on holiday in America when they told me I'd won.

"A parent of a girl I used to coach nominated me but I thought there was no chance of winning because there would be so many others put up for it. I was so excited when I found out."

Kristy previously played and coached with Morton Girls and her involvement with the SFA saw her speak at the Scottish Parliament.

Stints volunteering with the SFA and Active Schools also led to paid work for the football fanatic, who has just finished her third year of the sports coaching course at the University of the West of Scotland in Hamilton.

Kristy said: "I've been doing a volunteer and inspire programme with the SFA for the last year and through that I've been able to network and got the opportunity to coach in different settings, work at national events, including with the Scottish national team and at games, and got to know people.

"I'm always volunteering myself to do everything.

"After fifth year of school I decided to leave and go to college and did an HNC while playing football at the same time.

"From there I was convinced by my lecturer to go to university because I'd never dreamed of going to uni.

"I managed to get offers from everywhere I applied for and I've just finished my third year.

"Ideally I'd like to go on and work with Active Schools.

"If I could get a full-time job with them that would be ideal."