Voting is live for prestigious People’s Award at the 2026 McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards
The finalists for the prestigious People’s Award at the McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards 2026 have been announced.
Tom McKenna (Crewe United), Shaun Marshall (Lurgan Celtic) and Jonathan McClelland (Berlin Swifts & Swiftettes) are this year’s finalists and will each be hoping to be crowned as the national winner.
The winner of the People’s Award will be announced later this month at the national awards ceremony at Belfast City Hall and will be determined by the public through online votes via the Irish FA website.
Online voting for the People’s Award is now open and will close on Monday 19 October at 12noon. For more information and to place your vote visit HERE.
About the finalists:
Tom McKenna founded Crewe United Football Club in 1961 at the age of 19. He has served the club as a player, manager and chairman and remains an active member of the main club committee. From its humble beginnings six decades ago, the club has grown to more than 300 boys and girls within its academy. Tom continues to support the club's future development and success.
Shaun Marshall is the treasurer and former chairman, as well as a coach, committee member and volunteer at Lurgan Celtic Football Club. He has led the Allenhill Park redevelopment project, including preparing business plans, completing funding applications and working with local stakeholders and council officers. He also established the club's first girls' team and manages the club's finances and Klubfunder.
Jonathan McClelland is the chairman of Berlin Swifts & Swiftettes FC. He has helped develop pathways from mini football to senior men's and women's football and has supported the club's work on equality, inclusion and respect. He has also helped secure and deliver a community sports facility in the Greater Shankill area in Belfast, including 9-a-side and full-size pitches, changing facilities and a community hub.
The annual McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards, which celebrate 26 years in Northern Ireland this year, recognise the outstanding work and commitment of football clubs and volunteers who give up their time and make a lasting impact on young people and communities across Northern Ireland.
The regional awards event was hosted recently at The Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, where Northern Ireland legend and Fun Football Ambassador Pat Jennings presented the winners with their awards.
At the event, Pat Jennings said: "Grassroots football is built by people who turn up week after week, creating places where young people can enjoy the game, grow in confidence and feel part of a team.
"It has been a privilege to see the difference McDonald's Fun Football has made for children and families across Northern Ireland. These awards show exactly why the grassroots game matters so much.
"Every winner recognised has helped make football more welcoming, accessible and enjoyable in their community. They should be extremely proud of what they have achieved."
McDonald's Franchisee Paul Connan added: "At McDonald's, we are proud to support the people and clubs that bring communities together through football. Their time, care and enthusiasm gives young people opportunities that reach far beyond the pitch.
"These awards are a chance to thank the volunteers and clubs who make grassroots football thrive across Northern Ireland. Congratulations to all the winners.”
