The 2025 McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Awards have been launched following an event at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
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.
Former Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis, who hung up his boots in January 2024, graced the pitch at the National Stadium once again as the special guest at the launch event.
More than 100 boys and girls from all backgrounds and abilities across Northern Ireland took part in an inclusive and engaging introduction to football through the McDonald’s Fun Football programme.
Davis, who represented his country 140 times during an illustrious international playing career, lauded the McDonald’s programme and the opportunities it brings for children in Northern Ireland.
He said: “A career in football starts at grassroots level. That’s how I started myself, so it’s brilliant to see what an amazing impact McDonald’s and the Irish FA are having on communities across Northern Ireland through Fun Football.
“The inclusivity of the programme is also brilliant to see. All boys and girls are welcome, no matter their background or ability, so I would encourage parents to keep an eye out for the sessions that are taking place in Northern Ireland across the year.”
In this year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Awards there are eight categories: Young Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Wes Gregg Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, the Futsal Award, the Football Restaurant of the Year, the Football for All Award and the People’s Award.
Regional award winners will be announced in September, and the official awards ceremony will take place in Belfast City Hall in October.
Davis said it was hugely important to acknowledge the work that grassroots football volunteers undertake year on year.
He pointed out: “It’s great that a brand like McDonald’s is backing grassroots football, and the work it is doing along with the Irish FA in communities across Northern Ireland is really brilliant to see.
“It’s so important we celebrate them, and I look forward to meeting this year’s winners and finalists later in the year.”
Long-standing Fun Football ambassador Pat Jennings added: “I’ve been involved with these awards for almost two decades and it always amazes me the work that volunteers put in on and off the pitch to give children and young people an opportunity to play football in a safe and inclusive environment.”
Paddy Cusack, a McDonald’s franchisee, said: “Football is at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland and, after over 20 years as a major supporter of the grassroots game, nobody understands that better than McDonald’s.
“The annual awards give us an excellent excuse to celebrate the amazing volunteers on the ground that make it all happen. Without them programmes like Fun Football simply couldn’t run.”
Nominations for the awards are now open via the Irish FA website and will close on 31 July. You can nominate your local grassroots hero here.
