Ayr United have been named among Europe's footballing elite after a high profile award dished out by UEFA.
The Somerset Park club's impressive level of community engagment has seen it take rank alongside continential giants like Marseille.
Ayr, who claimed the silver award at last week's UEFA Grassroots awards, were hailed for their increasing outreach programme.
A range of activities engaging all ages within the community saw United's Football Academy arm praised for its ongoing impact.
Allan Gunning, Ayr United Football Academy Chair, said: “This award is well deserved recognition for all our participants.
"Our activities include Honest Kids, aimed at young people with a disability and a wide range of other health and social inclusion programmes for all ages.
"The success of our childcare project has led to the Scottish Government investing £2m, to help to roll this out in other parts of the country.
"We have a ‘Strollers’ group meeting weekly, in addition to the Honest Men’s Club, numerous football participation centres for males and females from three years old to walking football classes that cater for all ages, abilities and interests.
"In addition to the community initiatives, we also provide a model of sporting excellence to support young people in pursuing individual goals and playing sport at the highest level in both the male and female game.
"All of this activity is delivered by our dedicated staff and army of wonderful volunteers and we thank them for all their efforts.
"Our success is also built on strong partnership working with South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, the Scottish FA, Scottish government, and of course Ayr United Football Club, among many others.
"AUFA is a charity and we are indebted to everyone who supports us. Together we are creating huge health, social and economic benefits for local communities.
"UEFA previously commissioned a study which showed our programmes deliver a £17 social return for every £1 we spend which is a phenomenal gain on the investment we receive.
"The UEFA award is welcome but it is the work which sits behind it which makes the difference. We are grateful to everyone involved.”
Ayr chairman, David Smith, added: "It is incredible to hear Ayr United mentioned in the same breath as Marseille and we would like to pass on our congratulations to them, and also NK Istra 1961 from Croatia who came third.
"The Ayr United Football Academy continue to grow from strength to strength and they are a huge part of enabling our vision to ‘entertain, engage, and inspire the town of Ayr and the local community’ through their huge variety of programmes and projects.
"There is literally no age or demographic that the Ayr United Football Academy doesn’t attract and it is clear they are trusted delivery partners for the Scottish FA, in addition to local and national government through their funded projects.
"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition and would like to thank everyone at Ayr United Football Academy for the ongoing work they do in advancing such important work in the local community and in carrying the name of Ayr United with such distinction.”
Councillor Brian Connolly, South Ayrshire's sports spokesperson, said: "Congratulations to Ayr United Football Academy for this major achievement.
"With the help of key partners, the charity is using football to promote health and wellbeing and bring people together no matter their age, gender, or background.
"This is an example of partnership working at its best and it’s an honour and a privilege for me to represent the Council on the Board.
"I am sure AUFA will continue to build on this outstanding work. Well done to everyone involved.”
