England stars Jude Bellingham and Beth Mead have helped McDonald’s bring back their ‘fun football’ which will see more than 500,000 across the UK enjoy free coaching sessions
Children of all abilities aged 5-11 will be able to take part in the sessions which will be held across 1,500 different locations which will be hosted by FA qualified coaches.
McDonald’s is also running pan-disability and visual impairment sessions which aims to tackle a third of disabled children who are currently missing out on the benefits of sport.
Earlier this year over 100 coaches went through bespoke training modules as part of a pioneering coaching development programme developed in collaboration with BBC Children in Need, British Blind Sport, Kick It Out and England Futsal, to ensure Fun Football coaches can welcome any child, and adapt sessions accordingly.
Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham, who is also a McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador said: “We must make grassroots football more accessible for all. Removing the barriers associated to attending sessions is vital and that’s why McDonald’s Fun Football is so important to the future of the game.
“From introducing first-of-its-kind coaching development so more coaches can support children from any background to looking at how sessions can be as close as possible to families that need it the most.
“The programme is opening doors to more children to enjoy football and that can only be a good thing.”
Arsenal and England star Beth Mead, also a McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador added: “As players we have a responsibility to engage with the next generation. We want to continue to build on the momentum we create.
“That’s why I am so passionate about what the programme is doing and proud to be a long-standing ambassador for McDonald’s Fun Football, we must keep finding ways to ensure our game continues to grow, from the grassroots right to the top.
“McDonald’s Fun Football is in over 1,500 locations offering free sessions meaning that almost everyone will have a session on their doorstep.”
For more information, visit: www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football
