England stars Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson have helped launch the UK's largest grassroots participation programme.
The McDonald’s Fun Football programme will provide more than 10.5 million hours of coaching in parks and playgrounds across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales over the next four years. The launch of the historic programme was recently celebrated at the National Football Museum with McDonald’s Fun Football ambassadors hosting some of the first of the one million children set to benefit from the programme.
And familiar faces got involved too, including Manchester City star and recently-crowned Premier League champion Grealish. The Three Lions ace was joined by international team-mate and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, while ex-City star Micah Richards, England Women's star Beth Mead and former England Cerebral Palsy captain Jack Rutter also took part.
The programme will be delivered in collaboration with the Irish FA, Scottish FA, The Football Association of Wales and a network of national coaching providers. McDonald’s new commitment to grassroots football participation over the next four years marks the brand’s 20th anniversary of supporting grassroots football in the UK.
It is something Grealish, City's £100million signing who lifted his first title crown on Sunday, is delighted to be involved in. He said: "I’m a firm believer that football should be for everyone and that’s why I wanted to get involved with the McDonald’s Fun Football programme.
"Accessibility in sport is something that is close to me personally, I have first-hand experience of how sport can benefit those with additional needs, and it is so important that we get behind programmes that increase the opportunities for every child to play and enjoy football. To build a grassroots programme, like McDonald’s has, that will offer one million children the chance to play football, is incredible and I am looking forward to seeing the programme kick off over the summer.”
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Henderson, whose Liverpool side were pipped to the crown by City on a dramatic final day in the Premier League, added: “As a parent I understand how taking your kids to football for the first time can be intimidating or off-putting. The great thing about Fun Football is the sessions are designed to ensure every level is catered for and accepted.
"It takes a step back from the competitive environment of football and puts enjoyment at the heart of every session, which is so important. Fun Football is the perfect environment for any child looking to take their first steps in football and I would encourage parents up and down the country to take advantage of the free sessions."
McDonald’s is the longest-standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK and has worked with the Home Nation Football Associations for 20 years. Indeed, it is an exciting time for football and local communities - and McDonald's has promised to continue their commitment to the local game.
Alistair Macrow, Chief Executive Officer, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: “Football is at the heart of every community - and after 20 years as a major supporter of the grassroots game, nobody knows that better than McDonald’s.
“And we now want to increase our grassroots support to ensure more children, more families and more communities can directly benefit from the beautiful game.
“Our new programme will drive greater access and inclusion, support physical and mental health and above all generate the community spirit that comes from coaching, playing and watching football.”
McDonald’s Fun Football sessions will take place across the entire UK with the next wave starting in June. To find a Fun Football session local to you visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football. For further information on McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football follow @FunFootballUK on Twitter and Instagram.
