Fun soccer workouts return with sessions across the country

McDonald’s Fun Football coaching sessions are back for their second wave, bringing over 800 sessions to England this summer.

The new program will see McDonald’s become the largest grassroots involvement program in the UK, providing one million children with over 10.5 million hours of coaching in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Country. of Wales. They are aimed at all children aged 5 to 11, whatever their ability.

Sessions are led by fully trained football coaches, funded by McDonald’s to increase participation in the sport. They take place in the following regions:

These football sessions allow children to get out, have fun and enjoy themselves without being a burden on their parents. Seats are available but limited, so parents should go to mcdonalds.co.uk/football to reserve their child’s spot.

The launch of this historic new program was celebrated at the National Football Museum with McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassadors welcoming some of the first one million children who will enjoy Fun Football over the next four years. Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish, Arsenal and England striker Beth Mead, former England defender Micah Richards, former Team GB and England football captain Cerebral Palsy Jack Rutter and Liverpool and England midfielder Jordan Henderson joined 30 boys and girls as they took part in a special Fun Football session outside Manchester’s iconic landmark.

Jack Grealish said: “I believe 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 my heart. personally, I have first-hand experience of how sport can benefit those with additional needs, and it is so important that we support programs that increase opportunities for every child to play and enjoy football “Building a grassroots program like McDonald’s that will give a million kids the chance to play football is amazing and I can’t wait to see the program kick off this summer.”

Along with upgrading the skills of Fun Football providers, the program will recruit over 100 women’s football coaches to support increased girls’ participation. Beth Mead, Lionesses striker and supporter of McDonald’s Fun Football, said: “We already know the positive impact of better representation of women in football. We look at how our performance on and off the pitch can help young girls achieve their dreams and play football. It’s so important that their experience is one that accepts them and having more female coaches present at the women’s sessions will really help with that. I hope that the McDonald’s Fun Football program will encourage more and more young girls to participate and fall in love with a game to which I owe so much.

As McDonald’s Fun Football expands, it will travel to communities that need it most, helping to break down barriers to participation associated with travel to sessions – with the goal of making the program accessible to all families.

“As a parent, I understand how intimidating or off-putting taking your kids to football for the first time can be. The great thing about Fun Football is that the sessions are designed to ensure every level is catered for. supported and accepted. It takes a step back from the competitive environment of football and puts fun at the heart of every session, which is so important. Fun Football is the ideal environment for any child who wants to take their first steps in football and I encourage parents across the country to take advantage of the free sessions,” added Jordan Henderson, McDonald’s Fun Football advocate, parent and Liverpool captain.

McDonald’s is the oldest supporter of grassroots football in the UK and has worked with the Home Nation Football Associations for 20 years. Now in her 20s^e year, McDonald’s, alongside the Irish FA, Scottish FA and Football Association of Wales, is making its biggest commitment to grassroots football by doubling the size of the new Fun Football programme.

Alistair Macrow, Managing Director of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: “Football is at the heart of every community – and after 20 years as a great supporter of grassroots football, no one knows that better than McDonald’s. And now we want to increase our grassroots support to ensure that more children, more families and more communities can directly benefit from the beautiful game.

“Our new program will promote increased access and inclusion, support physical and mental health and, most importantly, generate the community spirit that comes from coaching, playing and watching football.”