What single Northern Ireland goal stands out for you? Gerry Armstrong’s strike through the legs of Spanish goalkeeper Arconada during the 1982 World Cup, will be the answer for many.

These days Gerry is a well-known TV football pundit but he also takes a keen interest in the development of the game at grassroots level and is a big supporter of the McDonald’s Irish FA Community awards which recognise and reward the people and clubs that are driving grassroots football across Northern Ireland.

Growing up with a GAA background, Gerry signed for Tottenham Hotspur in 1975 where he made a total of 84 appearances and scored 10 goals before moving to Watford, who were then in the Second Division.  Having gained promotion the following season it was Armstrong who scored their first ever goal in the top flight during the 81/82 season.

With his growing international reputation significantly enhanced following his exploits at Espana ’82 he joined Spanish side Real Mallorca, however there was a small price to pay for scoring against Spain.

“I did get stick, particularly when we went to play Valencia, obviously the home fans remembered only too well what I had done to them the year previous, but I was pleased to say we drew 2–2 with Valencia and I scored a goal into the very same net that I'd scored for Northern Ireland,” commented Gerry.

Gerry has long been a supporter of the McDonald’s Irish FA community partnership and he is very keen that the grassroots football programme continues in order to develop all available young talent across Northern Ireland.

“Everybody knows that we are a small nation but we’ve shown in the past just what can be achieved on an International level.  It is all about making improvements – improvements in club accreditation, improvements in coaches, improvements in clubs so hopefully over the course of the next few years we will see more talented, well rounded players being produced as a result of changes which have already been introduced through this Community Partnership, which has been in place since 2002. 

“A key part in developing talented players is the McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards which seek to recognise the commitment and dedication of those who contribute so much towards developing the game at grassroots level. Nominations are now open for you to put forward somebody who helps to make the grassroots game happen in your community and can be made via www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards and www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards. It is imperative that you get online and fill out a nomination form today to ensure your local coach, club, volunteer, those involved with disability football or those displaying great cross-community backgrounds are not overlooked,” concluded Gerry.

ENDS