While the majority of fans left Windsor Park feeling suitably dejected after the sides 1-1 draw with Luxembourg, young Ben Gibbons from Tandragee couldn’t stop smiling as he got to walk out as a McDonald’s Player Escort for the game at Windsor Park last month.

Ben got to experience first-hand the excitement of the build up to the game, including being pitch-side as the Northern Ireland team warmed up, before walking out hand-in-hand with Northern Ireland’s Jonny Evans. Ben’s dad Alan described his big day:

“Overall Ben had a fabulous experience, from start to finish the staff were more than helpful and polite and the evening was very well organised.  It really made it for him to walk out with Jonny Evans.  This was a family occasion; we purchased an extra 3 tickets and the view we had was excellent.  Ben also loved the rucksack and ball that he received.”

The opportunity to walk out as a Player Escort was provided through McDonald’s new grassroots football website, McDonald’s Kickstart, where users can access once-in-a lifetime opportunities.  The website also allows local clubs to secure funding for development projects and gain useful information on coaching or running a club. 

McDonald’s is celebrating ten years as the Official Community Partner of the Irish FA and through this partnership is helping young footballers shine.  The Community Partnership is delivering a lasting legacy for grassroots football through coach creation and education, a new Club Accreditation Scheme, through a series of Small Sided Games Centres and through the McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards which recognise and rewards the unsung heroes of grassroots football.

For full details and to apply for the chance for your child to walk out as a Player Escort please visit

www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kickstartENDS