McDonald’s is set to bring its popular Fun Football Festivals back to Northern Ireland this summer.
Starting off in Belfast’s Grand Central Station on Friday 8 August, the event will return to the beach at Portstewart Strand on Saturday 9 August and will complete a triple header in the shadow of the Mournes in Donard Park, Newcastle, on Sunday 10 August.
All of the events are free to attend and will run from 11am to 4pm each day. No pre-registration is required.
Children and families from across Northern Ireland are invited to take part in the introductory coaching sessions under the guidance of top football coaches on a pop-up pitch. Skills activities on offer will include ‘speed of shot’, passing and goalkeeping challenges.
The football-themed family events are helping McDonald’s celebrate the summer of sport in style, with more kids than ever across the UK feeling inspired to take up football this summer.
The summertime Fun Football Festivals this year will also welcome some special Fun Football ambassadors, including Northern Ireland record appearance holder and former captain Steven Davis (to Portstewart Strand) and legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings (to Donard Park, Newcastle).
Paddy Cusack, franchisee at McDonald’s, said McDonald’s is a proud long-standing supporter of grassroots football in Northern Ireland.
He pointed out: “It’s great for McDonald’s to be in a position to get behind events like these, and with three great backdrops for the festivals the events are set to be a real success again this year.
“You can always feel the energy at the festivals and it’s great to see kids benefit from the physical and mental health advantages of playing football in a fun, inclusive and safe space.
“As a father with young children myself, I know what it’s like keeping the kids entertained across the summer, and it’s fantastic that McDonald’s is able to put on such high quality events like these completely free of charge. I would encourage all parents and families to attend their nearest festival.”
The Fun Football Festivals are just one part of the McDonald’s Fun Football programme that will deliver over 10.5 million hours of Fun Football for over one million children by 2026, making it the largest grassroots participation programme in the UK.
The programme is delivered in collaboration with the Irish FA, Scottish FA, The Football Association of Wales and a network of national coaching providers in England, with regular sessions taking place throughout the year across the UK.
