The Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE) Recognition and Appreciation Awards 2026 were held at the Glasgow Marriott on Thursday 27 August.
The annual awards celebrate the commitment, efforts, progress, achievements and triumphs of individuals, groups and organisations across minority ethnic communities in Scotland.
Sports for All Award
Yusuf Bamba, CEO of Scoutable United Football Club was presented with the Sports for All award, sponsored by sportscotland.
The Sport for All award recognises individuals, groups and/or organisations who are encouraging the participation of minority ethnic communities in sport by addressing inequalities, reducing barriers to participation and raising health awareness.
On receiving the award, Yusuf Bamba, CEO of Scoutable United Football Club said:
“Thank you all for your continuous support in my mission to provide ethnic minorities with a pathway into Scottish football, helping them further develop their talents and reach their potential.”
A club rooted in community
Scoutable United was founded in 2019 to showcase the best unsigned talent in Glasgow.
Founded by players for players, Scoutable United is committed, connected and creative. They pride their success on being a catalyst for change, on and off the pitch.
With teams for under 16 and under 18 players, as well as their Rising 7s football tournament, the club has quickly established a reputation within Glasgow’s grassroots scene, holding their own against local amateur sides.
In its first year, the club helped place seven players with Scottish clubs, and it continues to support players and aspiring coaches into the football pyramid.
The club regularly welcomes scouts and managers from local clubs to its matches, helping players gain visibility and access to opportunities, while sponsors have also recognised the value of the project.
Beyond the pitch, Scoutable United partners with some of Scotland's leading Black-owned businesses to create exclusive merchandise, building meaningful relationships that celebrate success, raise profiles and strengthen the wider community.
SAMEE Award Winners for 2026
Breaking Barriers Award: Daljit Kaur Dilber
Outstanding Young Leader(s) Award: Rajsee Saraf | Commendation: Young leaders of Duncanrig Secondary school
Research Award: Dr Radha Adhikari | Commendation: The Scottish Chinese Professionals Association (SCPA)
Supporting Inclusive Learning Award: Enable Works | Commendation: Inclusive Homework Club
Inspiring Diversity in STEM Award: Edoh Agbenokoudji
Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Award: Unison Scottish Black Members committee
Social Environment Award: Creatives of Colour | Commendation: Elena Arroyo
Social Citizenship Award: Glendale Women’s Cafe | Commendation: West of Scotland Development Centre (WOSDEC)
Outstanding Contribution to Anti-Racist Practice in the Classroom Award: Ando Glasso | Commendation: Beyond Srebrenica
Sports for All Award: Scoutable United Football Club
Building Bridges Award: The Commission on Race | Commendation: Adam Ali
Special Recognition Awards: Dr Azra Meadows OBE, Professor Muhammad Ali Imran, Inverkip Primary School P5b History =Our Story.
About SAMEE
SAMEE is a nation-wide organisation led by education professionals from ethnically diverse backgrounds. They provide a strong voice to social, educational and professional communities empowering parents to support young people, learners to progress in their education, and educators to advance in their careers.
The SAMEE community of education professionals provide support to educators and learners through workshops, seminars, conferences, one-to-one consultations, continued professional learning and bespoke coaching and mentoring activities.
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