The McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards are back for 2026, with nominations now open to recognise the incredible people who make grassroots football happen across Northern Ireland.
The annual awards celebrate the dedication of clubs, coaches and volunteers who give their time to create opportunities for players of all ages and make a lasting impact in their local communities.
There are nine award categories this year:
- Young Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Wes Gregg Coach of the Year
- Club of the Year
- Futsal Award
- Football Restaurant of the Year
- Football for All Award
- People's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Grassroots Football
- Best Use of Social Media (new for 2026)
The new Best Use of Social Media Award recognises clubs that are making a positive impact through their digital presence and using social media to engage with players, volunteers, supporters and their local community.
Image: Pat Jennings and McDonald's franchisee, Paul Connan
Regional award winners will be announced in September before the national winners are honoured at a special awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall in October.
Long-standing Fun Football ambassador Pat Jennings said: "I've been involved with these awards for almost two decades and have travelled across Northern Ireland visiting clubs and volunteers.
"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."
Paul Connan, McDonald's franchisee, added: "Football is at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland and, after more than 20 years supporting the grassroots game, nobody understands that better than McDonald's.
"The annual awards give us an excellent opportunity to celebrate the amazing volunteers who make it all happen. Without them, programmes like Fun Football simply couldn't run."
Nominations are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 9 August.
If you know an individual or club making a difference in grassroots football, nominate them today via the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards nomination page.
