Later this year the annual Scottish FA Grassrooots Awards will be presented at local ceremonies, ahead of a showpiece national ceremony where Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish and Scotland Manager Gordon Strachan will present the winners with their awards. 

The Scottish FA Grassroots Awards presented by McDonald’s and the Sunday Mail aim to recognise and reward people across the country that make a difference to grassroots football in their local community. 

One individual who has been nominated for making a difference to grassroots football in their local community is Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) coach Zubi Emele for the momentous part he has played in the founding of Aberdeenshire amateur side Jesus House AFC. 

Zubi set up the side with the intention of engaging young people in his local community and bringing together people of all backgrounds together through his church, Jesus House. Jesus House AFC quickly did that by assembling a squad made up of all different nationalities, religions and backgrounds. 

After getting over what seemed to be the hard part by getting the team off the ground the side were hit with a blow when the league association insisted on international clearance for all of the players.

Others may have given up at this stage but Zubi was determined not to let red tape get in the way and with the help of the Scottish FA and AFCCT the team were cleared to play in the Aberdeenshire Amateur league.

When asked about the nomination Zubi said: "I was both chuffed and surprised when I got a call from Scott Duncan informing me of my nomination for this award. Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to my Pastor at Jesus House, City of God Church (Pastor Mark Igiehon) together with whom the vision of Jesus House AFC was born.

"Secondly I would like to thank AFCCT who have made, and are still making, a huge difference as I strive towards becoming a better football coach and the SFA as without them Jesus House AFC may not be where we are today. Above all, I am grateful to God Almighty for His inspiration; for in Him I live and have my being. This nomination will only challenge me towards greater excellence for JHAFC, AFCCT and the larger community."

Zubi has been working for AFCCT on a part-time basis since Summer 2013 coaching kids and is a hugely popular and respected member of the team due to his infectious personality and enthusiasm for football.

Zubi’s story shows the universal appeal that football can have to provide support and opportunity to people from all religious groups and ethnicities throughout Aberdeen City & Shire and it is something that AFCCT are looking to harness.

Earlier this year Harley Hamdani took up a new role working with AFCCT as SFA Football Equity Officer with two key objectives. The first of those objectives is to increase participation of ethnic minority groups and religious groups within football. Harley’s second aim is to increase the understanding and awareness of various cultures, ethnic groups and religions within the region and how this can impact a person’s opportunities to get involved in football.

Harley said: "Zubi’s story is great for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is fantastic to see somebody so passionate and enthusiastic towards the game succeed and gain the recognition that all of his hard work thoroughly deserves.

It is a great pleasure to work alongside Zubi at AFCCT and I hope with the continued support of the SFA and AFCCT we can help create further opportunities moving forward."

Everyone at AFFCT would like to congratulate Zubi on a well deserved nomination.