McDonald’s and the Irish FA have issued a final call for nominations for this year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards.
Nominations for the 2025 awards, which are currently open via the Irish FA website, will close next Thursday (31 July).
The annual awards recognise the transformative work and commitment of volunteers, coaches and clubs who selflessly give up their time to support grassroots football, making a long-lasting impact on young people and communities across Northern Ireland.
It’s the 25th anniversary of the awards in 2025 and in this year’s awards there are nine categories, ensuring that all aspects of grassroots football are acknowledged and celebrated.
The categories are: Young Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Wes Gregg Coach of the Year, Amateur Club of the Year, Junior Club of the Year, Futsal Award, Football Restaurant of the Year, Football for All Award and People’s Award.
Regional award winners will be announced at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park in September. The national awards ceremony and gala dinner is due to take place in Belfast City Hall in November ahead of Northern Ireland’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Luxembourg.
Pat Jennings, Northern Ireland football legend and McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador, commended the countless volunteers who dedicate their time year after year to making grassroots football possible across Northern Ireland.
He said: “Grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist without its volunteers. Over the years I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact of McDonald’s Fun Football in shaping young lives across Northern Ireland.
“Recognising these volunteers in this 25th year of the Grassroots Football Awards is so important and gives young people, regardless of their background or ability, the chance to play, learn and grow through the sport.
“I would encourage all local grassroots clubs to get involved and nominate their own local heroes for this exceptionally well deserved recognition.”
For more information or to nominate your grassroots football hero visit irishfa.com/grassrootsfootballawards
Image: Pat Jennings with some of the 2024 winners of Regional Awards.
