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McDONALD’S AND IFA ANNOUNCE FOUR YEAR GRASSROOTS DEAL 2007-2010

In October 2007 the Irish FA and McDonald’s announced a new grassroots football initiative which will develop the game at a local level in Northern Ireland through to 2010.

The partnership will see the development of grassroots football through the creation of local coaches, a concerted and widespread schools curriculum programme and a series of interactive football festivals across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the partnership, Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Football Northern Ireland, highlighted the benefits that the new programme will deliver:“This announcement is great news for grassroots football in Northern Ireland and we at McDonald’s are looking forward to the implementation of the new programme and seeing the development, promotion and increased participation of football at a local level.

“We are committed to promoting active lifestyles with children across Northern Ireland by developing involvement in and access to qualified coaching through this exciting initiative with the IFA.

“Our programme will see every single primary school in Northern Ireland receiving grassroots coaching over the next four years.  This support will not only provide the resources through kit and equipment required for the development of the curriculum programme but will also create new coaches each year to UK CC level 1, 2 and 3." 

The programme will also see two national and 32 local level football festivals taking place regionally across Northern Ireland.  The festivals will provide the opportunity for thousands of children to engage in a fun filled football atmosphere where they can embrace teambuilding and learn new skills from Northern Ireland’s top Grassroots Development Officers and Community Coaches.

The Community partnership between the IFA and McDonald’s builds upon the relationship developed over the last four years which has seen 250 coaches receive grassroots coaching qualifications.  These coaches have in turn provided thousands of hours of football coaching to children across Northern Ireland.

Trevor Erskine, IFA Grassroots Co-ordinator, commenting on the announcement said: “Our partnership with McDonald’s will provide the opportunity for children of all abilities throughout Northern Ireland to enjoy the game of football and to receive top quality coaching.

“The development of grassroots football is key to the success of our international team which has had much success of late and this announcement provides a further boost to the prospects of future teams.”