The nominations for the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards 2025 are now open.
The annual McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards recognise the incredible work and commitment of football clubs and volunteers who give up their time and make a long-lasting impact on young people and communities across Northern Ireland.
This year we will be welcoming entries across the following categories:
1. Young Volunteer of the Year,
2. Volunteer of the Year,
3. Wes Gregg Coach of the Year,
4. Club of the Year,
5. The Futsal Award,
6. Football for All Award,
7. The People’s Award.
Nominate your grassroots hero today!
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Categories & Entry Criteria
Please note, all nominees are subject to safeguarding and Access NI checks. Failure to have up-to-date safeguarding training or Access NI means we can not progress with your nominee's application.
1. Young Volunteer of the Year: This award recognises the contribution young people make in the community within grassroots football. The category is open to young people from 14 to 24 years of age that make a significant impact in helping to support and develop opportunities for people to participate in the local game.
2. Volunteer of the Year: This award recognises the countless hours that dedicated volunteers across Northern Ireland give to help their local club and game. Nominations will be accepted for anyone whose involvement in football has helped to develop others and the grassroots game.
3. Wes Gregg Coach of the Year: This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a qualified coach (NCC/ Level 1 certificate and higher) at a grassroots club or Fun Football provider. Someone who encourages people starting, staying and/or succeeding in football through high quality coaching and who adapt their approach to find new ways to keep their players engaged.
4. Club of the Year: With this award, we recognise the clubs who can demonstrate an inclusive, fun and developmental approach to small-sided games football. Clubs should be able to showcase creating a positive football culture and environment for children, established school, community and social partnerships and demonstrate Irish FA good practices and governance.
5. The Futsal Award: The Futsal Award looks to recognise an individual or club who have championed the introduction of Futsal in their community.
6. Football For All Award: This award celebrates an individual or club who has put inclusivity at the heart of the ethos of their club and has excelled in promoting Football for All. The winner of this award may have started a new girls’ and women’s team, developed a disability programme or used football as a power for good in their community through the introduction of mental health or cross community programmes.
7. The People's Award: The People’s Award recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual has made to football in their local community and beyond.
Deadline for entries will close at 5pm on 31 July 2025.