CALL TO NOMINATE HEROES FOR THE McDONALD’s & FAW GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AWARDS

John Hartson and McDonald’s UK are looking to celebrate grassroots football volunteers in the 2020 FAW & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards

Nominations are officially open for this years McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, in association with the four UK Football Associations. The awards celebrate the efforts of grassroots volunteers across Wales who go the extra mile in their local communities.

McDonald’s is the longest-standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK, having worked with the four UK FAs for 18 years. Throughout this time, it has continually championed the work of volunteers who invest countless hours of time to deliver safe, fun football to children and young adults regardless of age, gender or disability. The awards are supported by football legends from the men’s and women’s game across the UK including Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Casey Stoney MBE, Martin Keown and Pat Jennings.

McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador and former Wales striker John Hartson who is encouraging local communities across the UK to nominate their grassroots heroes, said: “I want to encourage all of Wales to come forward and nominate their favourite individuals or groups across football including referees, coaches, clubs and volunteers. These are the local grassroots stars who dedicate endless time in helping their neighbourhoods across Wales. The Grassroots Football awards are a fantastic way to honour those who go above and beyond for football across the country so I would urge you all to nominate someone today.”

The awards feature a wide mix of categories which reflect the huge range of roles that volunteers play, including Young Volunteer of the Year, Junior League of the Year, Fun Football Provider of the Year and Referee of the Year. Individual awards take place in all home nations including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Nominations for the 2020 FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are now open. To nominate a grassroots football club or volunteer go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards. The award nominations close on 15^th March and winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in Cardiff.

Last year McDonald’s also celebrated a milestone moment in the McDonald’s Fun Football Programme as it reached 2 million hours of Fun Football provided to children across the UK. McDonald’s is committed to its target of giving over 500,000 children the opportunity to play football for the first time and providing over 5 million hours of football to 5-11-year-olds by 2022.

For further information on McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football and to find out how your club could benefit, follow @FunFootballUK on Twitter and Instagram.