Ayr United have been honoured alongside elite team Marseille for their work for grassroots football.

Footballing body UEFA have given Ayr United's Football Academy a UEFA Grassroots Awards Best Professional Club Silver award for their work delivering various footballing projects to local people of all ages.

The UEFA Grassroots Awards have been celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements in the game since 2010.

Read More: King Charles coronation cinema event set for Maybole

Focused on football outside the elite game, the awards turn the floodlights on some of the unsung heroes and inspiring initiatives that make football such a vital part of communities throughout Europe.

Ayr United were alongside Ligue 1 club Marseille in the awards, with the French club labelled the Best Professional Club for 2023.

Taking to social media, Ayr United's Facebook page said: "What an achievement for Ayr United Football Academy!

"Awarded Silver for Best Professional Club in the UEFA Grassroots Awards."

Get unlimited access to the Ayr Advertiser's online content: https://www.ayradvertiser.com/subscribe

Zvonimir Boban, UEFA technical director and chief of football added:"Every player we see on our screens in UEFA competitions began their journey on a local pitch with friends or family.

"The elite game relies on a strong grassroots base, and that is why it is imperative that we celebrate the lesser-known stars who are bringing the game to people of all ages and abilities across Europe.

"We congratulate all the winners on their fantastic work."