The winners of this year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards have been crowned following the national awards ceremony which took place last week at Belfast City Hall.
The annual McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards, which have run for over 20 years in Northern Ireland, recognise the unbelievable 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.
The event was supported by a number of high-profile politicians including Minister of Education Paul Givan MLA and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly. MLAs Jonathan Buckley, Colm Gildernew and Kellie Armstrong were also in attendance at the awards.
Former Northern Ireland captain and record appearance holder Steven Davis and Northern Ireland goalkeeping hero Pat Jennings, who is a longstanding McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassador, were also amongst the star-studded line-up of guests at the event.
The event also heard from Northern Ireland senior men’s manager Michael O’Neill, who was fresh from announcing his squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Slovakia and Germany.
Delivering a message to the winners and finalists at the awards ceremony, Steven Davis hailed the impact that the grassroots game in Northern Ireland had on him as he embarked on what became an incredibly successful career at the top level of football.
“The important work being carried out by McDonald’s and the Irish FA ensures that the game continues to thrive at every level, and that all young people in Northern Ireland, regardless of their background or ability, have the opportunity to play football,” he added.
“The dedication and time that volunteers give every week across the season is amazing, and without them, grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist. Congratulations to everyone here this evening.”
McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassador Pat Jennings also piled praise on the award winners and nominees.
He commented: “Having been a Fun Football Ambassador for almost twenty years now, I have witnessed first-hand the significant impact that McDonald’s Fun Football has had, and continues to have, on the lives of young people in Northern Ireland.
“In the time I have spent as an ambassador, I have loved travelling across Northern Ireland meeting the volunteers who make it happen for the kids. It’s taken me right back to where football started for me.
“I have also seen the support that the McDonald’s Franchisees across Northern Ireland have provided to local grassroots football clubs, by providing kits and equipment or by hosting community events. It’s great to see.”
McDonald’s Franchisee Paddy Cusack said McDonald’s is passionate about feeding and fostering communities and supporting local families, adding that its commitment to grassroots football is a great way for the company to demonstrate that.
He also pointed out: “The Grassroots Football Awards give us a great opportunity to celebrate our local grassroots football heroes, who are the beating heart of the game we all love here in Northern Ireland. Well done to the winners.”
In 2022, McDonald’s launched its new Fun Football programme which set out to provide over one million 5–11-year-olds with the opportunity to enjoy free football coaching across the UK.
The programme is set to deliver over 10.5 million hours of free Fun Football by 2026 making it the largest grassroots participation programme in the UK. It is delivered in collaboration with the Irish FA, Scottish FA, The Football Association of Wales and a network of national coaching providers in England.
