McDonald’s has launched its 2023 programme of Fun Football Centres across Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Irish Football Association.
Aimed at providing children aged five to 11 with the opportunity to try football for the first time, the Fun Football sessions are free of charge and include a Fun Football Activity Book. Designed and delivered by football association accredited coaches, they include introductory activities perfect for children who are new to the game, helping them to develop their all-rounds skills in a safe, fun and pressure-free environment.
Marissa Callaghan, Northern Ireland senior women’s player and Fun Football Ambassador said:
“These Fun Football Centres are a fantastic opportunity for young boys and girls to experience football for the first time together and, as I can testify, develop a lifelong love for the game.
“But it’s about more than that – it’s about making new friends, gaining new skills and building confidence in a relaxed environment where every child is welcomed and encouraged. The fact that the sessions are completely free, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, is an amazing added incentive.”
The Fun Football Centres form part of the wider Fun Football programme, which is focused on improving accessibility to football for children and has seen McDonald’s and the Irish FA partner with local charity Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI). Together, they will ensure that every Fun Football coach is equipped with the knowledge and tools to help create inclusive environments for participants from all communities.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood commented:
“The Irish FA is committed to promoting, fostering and developing football for all and believes that everyone should have access to the game, regardless of age, gender, background, ability and disability.
“For this reason, we value our longstanding partnership with McDonald’s immensely – with the Fun Football programme serving as a hugely important vehicle through which to make football truly accessible to all children right across Northern Ireland.”
Locally in Ballymena the free Fun Football four-week course takes place on Monday evenings from 4pm to 5pm, kicking off on 6 March and continues weekly on 13 March, 20 March and the final session of this run is 27 March.
These sessions will take place on the muga pitch at Ballymena Showgrounds.
For any further questions please contact Diarmuid McNeice at diarmuid.mcneice@irishfa.co.uk or CLICK HERE to book your child’s free place today!
Other courses will be held at the following locations:
• Brook Leisure Centre, Belfast
• Santos Football Club, Carryduff
• Bangor Aurora
• Avoneil Leisure Centre, Belfast
• Bushmills Community Centre
• Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt
• Richill Leisure Centre, County Armagh
• Dunleath Park, Downpatrick
• Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey
• Seaview Stadium, Belfast (Disability Fun Football)
• Strathroy Community Centre, Omagh
• Shantallow Community Centre, Londonderry
• Lincoln Court Youth & Community Association, Londonderry
• Stangmore Park, Dungannon (Disability Fun Football)
Parents are encouraged to register their children to one of the upcoming Centres on the Irish FA’s website - CLICK HERE.