McDonald’s has officially announced the return of its 2025 Fun Football Centres in Northern Ireland, offering children between the ages of five and 11 a fantastic opportunity to engage with football in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.
This initiative, delivered in partnership with the Irish FA and the Irish FA Foundation, is completely free of charge, ensuring that young players from all backgrounds can experience the game without financial barriers.
The Fun Football Centres are designed to introduce young players to interactive coaching sessions and engaging football activities, helping them develop their skills while fostering a love for the sport.
As part of McDonald’s broader commitment to community engagement and grassroots sports, these centres not only encourage physical activity but also promote essential values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect.
A Legacy of Supporting Football in Northern Ireland
Football legend and former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings, who serves as a McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassador, has long been a champion of initiatives that make football accessible to children. He emphasized the significant impact of the Fun Football programme:
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed first-hand the positive influence that McDonald’s Fun Football has had on young people in Northern Ireland. This programme is about more than just learning the game—it’s about creating opportunities, building friendships, and instilling a love for football that lasts a lifetime.”
Jennings further highlighted the importance of McDonald’s collaboration with the Irish FA, which has been instrumental in making football more inclusive and widely available.
McDonald’s franchisee Paddy Cusack also shared his enthusiasm for the programme, underscoring the company’s dedication to community-driven initiatives:
“At McDonald’s, we are passionate about more than just serving great food. We are committed to fostering strong communities, supporting local families, and creating opportunities for children to participate in sports. The Fun Football programme allows us to contribute meaningfully to grassroots football in Northern Ireland.”
Since its 2022 relaunch, McDonald’s Fun Football has reached an impressive 500,000 children across the UK, demonstrating the growing impact of the initiative in encouraging young talent and expanding participation in football at the grassroots level.
Grassroots Football: Building Stronger Communities
Beyond teaching football skills, the Fun Football Centres play a vital role in shaping young minds and strengthening community bonds. Speaking at the 2024 McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Awards, Gordon Lyons MLA, Minister for Communities, highlighted the broader significance of grassroots football:
“Football is more than just a game; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and community development. Grassroots initiatives like McDonald’s Fun Football help instill important values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance—qualities that extend far beyond the football pitch and contribute to stronger, more united communities.”
Lyons commended McDonald’s and the Irish FA for their continued investment in youth football, emphasizing how these efforts ensure the sport remains accessible and enjoyable for children regardless of their background or ability.
2025 Fun Football Sessions Set to Expand Across Northern Ireland
This year, thirteen venues across Northern Ireland will host the first wave of Fun Football sessions, ensuring children from different regions have the opportunity to participate. The programme officially kicked off in March, starting in Enniskillen and Limavady, and will soon roll out to additional locations across the country.
Each four-week session is designed to cater to young footballers at all skill levels, providing structured coaching, engaging activities, and a safe space to learn, play, and develop their passion for the game.
Through its ongoing partnership with the Irish FA, McDonald’s remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of footballers, ensuring that every child, regardless of experience, skill level, or background has the chance to experience the joy of football.
As McDonald’s continues to expand its Fun Football Centres, the initiative reaffirms its position as a key player in grassroots sports development, helping to shape the future of Northern Ireland’s footballing talent while fostering a sense of community through the beautiful game.
