The stars of local grassroots football have been celebrated by McDonald’s, the Irish FA and football legends Pat Jennings, Sir Geoff Hurst, Ian Rush and Eric Harrison at the McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards 2012. McDonald’s has been the Official Community Partner of the Irish FA since 2002 and the awards initiative was introduced last year to celebrate the local clubs, coaches and volunteers that make outstanding contributions to grassroots football and to local communities throughout Northern Ireland.  The second awards event took place on Wednesday 21st November where winners were announced during a special gala evening at Belfast City Hall, attended by the Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín and Northern Ireland Manager Michael O’Neill amongst others.

Pat Jennings attended and supported the event through his position as McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football; “I’m delighted that once again the Irish FA and McDonald’s have recognised and rewarded the local people who do so much for grassroots football throughout Northern Ireland. The dedication, commitment and passion shown by the nominees and winners was truly inspirational; they provide the opportunity for young people to play the game in a fun, safe and controlled environment and it is only fitting that at McDonald’s we recognise their outstanding efforts.”

Nine category winners were announced on the evening, with Jon Clifford posthumously receiving the main award for Outstanding Contribution to grassroots football.  Full winner details are as follows;

Outstanding Contribution – Jon Clifford, Tristar FC (posthumous)Young Volunteer of the Year – Gareth Connor, Institute FCVolunteer of the Year – Andy Alcorn, Coleraine FCCoach of the Year – John Quinn, Ballinamallard FCAccredited Club of the Year - Ballymoor FCFemale Coach of the Year – Helen Majury, Ballinahinch Youth FCDisability Football Coach of the Year – George Moffett, Clanrye ETSCommunity Relations Award – Christopher Moffett, NI Community of Refugees & Asylum SeekersThe People’s Award – Jackie Mooney, Camlough Rovers FC

Former Liverpool and Wales legend Ian Rush also attended the awards event through his role as McDonald’s Head of Welsh Football; “It was a privilege to visit Belfast and help celebrate the local grassroots football heroes from across Northern Ireland.  Through my role with McDonald’s I am heavily involved in grassroots football in Wales but it was great to meet and chat with the coaches, clubs and volunteers who work tirelessly for grassroots football throughout Northern Ireland.  These people give so much for the game we all love and it is only right that we celebrate them.” The McDonald’s Irish FA Awards are an important part of McDonald’s Official Community Partnership with the Irish FA, a partnership that is celebrating ten years and is helping young footballers shine.  This is delivering a lasting legacy for grassroots football through ongoing coach creation and education, through a series of regional Small Sided Games Centres and through a new Club Accreditation Scheme. 

Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive of the Irish FA added; "The Irish FA was delighted to once again join with McDonald's in hosting this awards initiative for grassroots football in Northern Ireland.  McDonald's has been the Official Community Partner of the Association since 2002 and have been fantastic in their support of grassroots football during this time.  The Irish FA invests heavily in the grassroots level throughout Northern Ireland - our five star charter mark from UEFA demonstrates the high standard of our coaching programmes - so it was fitting that together with McDonald’s we recognised all those who do so much for grassroots football locally."McDonald’s has also recently launched a new website dedicated to grassroots football, entitled McDonald’s KickStart, where local clubs can secure funding for development projects, get access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like your child’s chance to walk out as a Player Escort at Windsor Park and useful information on coaching or running a club.  For full details visit

www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kickstart

ENDS