McDonald’s and Irish FA launch 2023 Grassroots Football Awards

McDonald’s and the Irish Football Association have launched the 2023 Grassroots Football Awards.

The annual McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards recognise the incredible 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.

In this year’s awards there are nine categories: Young Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Wes Gregg Coach of the Year, Amateur Club of the Year, Junior Club of the Year, the Futsal Award, the Football Restaurant of the Year, the Football for All Award and the People’s Award.

Nominations for the awards are now open via the Irish FA website and will close on 31 July. Regional award winners will be announced in September.

The official awards ceremony is due to take place in Belfast City Hall on 2 November ahead of Northern Ireland’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Finland and Denmark.

Leeds United and Northern Ireland star Stuart Dallas said that it was hugely important to encourage children of all abilities and backgrounds to play football and be active.

He said: “It’s great that a brand like McDonald’s is backing grassroots football, and the work it is doing along with the Irish FA Foundation and Irish FA in communities across Northern Ireland is really brilliant to see.

“I’m also delighted to see the grassroots volunteers recognised at these awards. They are the lifeblood of the game, and without them kids wouldn’t have access to the game we all love.

“The coaches and volunteers provide an environment that allows children to express themselves and, most importantly, have fun.

“I would encourage everyone to vote for their local grassroots hero ahead of this year’s awards ceremony.”

John McCollum, Franchisee at McDonald’s, commented: “Football is at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland and, after over 20 years as a major supporter of the grassroots game, nobody understands that better than McDonald’s.

“The new Fun Football programme that we launched at the end of last year 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.”

To nominate your local grassroots football hero in this year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards visit www.irishfa.com/grassrootsfootballawards.