Story library > 2007 > Football body teams up with fast food chain
Football body teams up with fast food chain
Cash-strapped primary schools thoughout North Belfast and beyond are set to benefit from an exciting new partnership between fast food giants McDonald’s and the Irish Football Association. Their new initiative aims to bring top-notch football coaches into local primary schools to train children.
"Our programme will see every single primary school in Northern Ireland receiving grassroots coaching over the next four years," said Pat Jennings, McDonald’s head of Northern Ireland football.
With budgets in North Belfast primary schools slashed by the Belfast Education and Library board, leaving schools unable to provide such sports schemes alone, the move has been welcomed by local teachers.
"All budgets are stretched in schools, and any money from somewhere like McDonalds is welcomed", said Jim McLarnon of Star of the Sea primary on the Shore Road. The new programme has been heralded as a huge opportunity for local youngsters by Trevor Irskine, IFA’s grassroots co-ordinator.
"Our partnership with McDonald’s will provide the opportunity for children of all capabilities throughout Northern Ireland to enjoy football and receive top quality coaching."
About this article
This article was written by Lyra McKee, aged 16, from Belfast and published in the North Belfast News.
