MORTON have netted another first for Scotland – after being presented with a top award for their work with young people.

Greenock Morton Community Trust (GMCT) has secured the coveted Investors in Young People (IIYP) status, making the club the first in the country to achieve the accreditation.

The accolade is made in recognition of an employer’s recruitment and retention of young people and their commitment to the training and development of youths.

It means GMCT is now a certified employer of choice for young people.

Warren Hawke, Morton’s consultant for club development, said: “Younger people are the future of Greenock Morton Football Club and the GMCT.

“Not only are we delivering projects that support young children gaining a healthier lifestyle, we are also investing in these young people to become key staff members and coaches for many years to come.” IIYP originated in a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led by Sir Ian Wood.

The accreditation exists to recognise and support organisations across Scotland in the employment of young people.

Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People Scotland, said: “We have had such positive feedback from the private, public and third sector on IIYP, and it’s now great to see a football club gaining recognition.

“Clubs like Greenock Morton play a vital part in the community both engaging with, and employing, young people.

“We envisage that Morton will be the first of many clubs that decide to utilise the IIYP framework to their own benefit.” The Ton trust is among an elite band to achieve the award, with just 32 organisations accredited across the country so far.

As well as running holiday camps for youngsters to develop their footballing skills, Ton also run Mini Morton sessions for pre-school children and girls’ clubs.

The trust is a charitable organisation which delivers the community initiatives of the Greenock Morton brand.

It is based at Cappielow and employs six full-time and two part-time members of staff, along with 12 sessional coaches and over 24 volunteer coaches.

The trust has been in operation for just two years but has already established a number of successful partnerships within the local area.

Now GMCT is eligible to use and display the IIYP logo and plaque, and enjoy its benefits.

Mr Russian said: “The benefits of recruiting and developing young people are countless.

“These include the creation of a talent pool for the future, new and increased skills in areas such as IT and social media, fresh eyes and mind-sets into business operations along with enthusiasm and unique talents.”