The McDonald’s Irish FA Award for Community Relations is a unique category and there are many aspects that the judging panel must take into consideration when awarding this.  For instance, the fostering and developing of good relations between different communities; the social benefits being delivered to the wider community; as well as encouraging players of all abilities to embrace and enjoy playing the game are all very important factors in considering the winner of the Community Relations category.

One candidate who displayed all these qualities plus more is Cliff Bennett from Tobermore United FC who was awarded the prestigious Community Relations Award during last year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards event.

Cliff Bennett has been involved with the Tobermore club for over five years and in that time he has helped to build an ethos that embraces players of all abilities and from all communities.

His coaching sessions and football events aim to bring local children off the streets and engage with them through their love of football.  It is a direct result of Cliff’s work over the last few years that has helped bring the community in Tobermore closer together.

Speaking after receiving his award Cliff said;“I’ve enjoyed my time at Tobermore immensely and to win this award was such a lovely way to be recognised for all the hard work that’s gone into making the club what it is today. 

“At Tobermore United we not only want to help players develop we also want to get them playing football together and mixing with other young people who perhaps they wouldn’t have been able to previously so we seek to be as open and approachable as possible.” 

If you know a candidate who displays similar commitment to benefitting grassroots football and you’d like them to be recognised please nominate them at www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards or www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards.

The Awards were presented at a gala evening where McDonald’s Football Ambassadors Sir Geoff Hurst, Ian Rush, Eric Harrison and Pat Jennings were on hand to interact with the great and the good of Northern Ireland grassroots football during an unforgettable evening at the Millennium Forum in Derry~Londonderry.

Goalkeeping legend and McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football Pat Jennings said: “The McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards recognises those coaches, clubs and volunteers who give their all for grassroots football throughout Northern Ireland. 

“The award which Cliff won is a true reflection of the great work he is carrying out within Tobermore United and the wider community as a whole.  He is delivering a top class service to the club through operating a cross-community football experience free from all prejudices and, at McDonald’s, we want to recognise that.

“Nominations can be made via www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards and www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards  so please get online and fill out a nomination form for a volunteer, coach or club that goes the extra mile for football in your community.”

The Awards form a key part of McDonald’s Community Partnership with the Irish FA; a partnership that has been developing grassroots football since 2002 and is helping young footballers shine.  This partnership is delivering a lasting legacy for grassroots football in Northern Ireland through KickStart funding, ongoing coach creation and education, the Club Accreditation Scheme and a number of regional Small Sided Games Centres– all contributing to ‘Better Play for Kids’.

ENDS