UEFA Grassroots Week is here – and it’s time to celebrate the very heart of our game as we bring the spotlight to some of the amazing work done in Scottish football every year.

Grassroots football in Scotland is the foundation upon which the game is built, acting as a force for positive change in society – breaking down barriers, encouraging active lifestyles, and bringing people from all walks of life together.

This week, we encourage clubs across Scotland are encouraged to share the fantastic work going on within their club and across their communities throughout the week and in turn highlight the unsung heroes of grassroots football who make it all possible.

This year’s celebratory week runs from Monday 21 through to Sunday 27 September, and will help recognise some of the inspirational initiatives within Scottish grassroots football such as:

The Scottish FA’s Extra-Time programme, an ongoing partnership between the Scottish FA and the Scottish Government, the Scottish FA Extra Time Programme aims to provide after school and holiday activity clubs for primary school aged children.

Some of the multi-sport clubs across Scotland which have been assisted by the Scottish FA's Pitching In fund to upgrade their facilities to support their communities.

Scottish FA Head of Football Development Paul McNeill: "The value of football to Scottish society is enormous. While we have seen the excitement of the National Team returning to the World stage in the summer, football is active in people's lives every day in Scotland."

"The power of football is that it is able to positively influence people's health, well-being and generate societal impact in a way that nothing else can. Every year UEFA Grassroots Week gives us the opportunity to shine a light on some just some of the thousands of people who make that impact possible."

Clubs are encouraged to participate to share the amazing activities within their clubs by sharing images and stories on social media using the hashtag #UEFAgrassroots.