The Irish FA and McDonald’s Community Partnership dates back to 2002 and at the time Keith Gibson was working as a computer programmer at a local bank in Belfast when he first began to pursue his dream of becoming a football coach.  Back then Keith was helping out with his son’s local team at a youth club when he saw McDonald’s coaching courses advertised in the local newspaper.

Keith has since become a qualified coach delivering coaching sessions in schools and clubs, helping to develop and mentor new coaches and assisting clubs to achieve club accreditation status.  He has also successfully achieved his coaching ‘A’ licence.

At the start of the year Keith was appointed to the position of Irish FA Football Development Manager and through his new role he is hoping to ensure that everyone who is seeking to drive and benefit grassroots football is recognised by encouraging as many nominations as possible for the 2014 McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards.

Now in its fourth year, the annual McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards recognise and thank the unsung heroes of the grassroots football community in Northern Ireland. Grassroots clubs, coaches and volunteers from all over Northern Ireland can be nominated with winners being awarded at both a regional and national level.

Speaking about the awards Keith said, “McDonald’s and the Irish FA want to recognise all those who are making really positive strides in terms of benefitting grassroots football, be that a local coach, club, volunteer, club chairman or even a local tea lady; anyone who displays a great commitment to grassroots football.

“The deadline of the 26th May for the regional awards nominations is fast approaching and we would encourage you to nominate your Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Accredited Club of the Year who will then be shortlisted for the overall Awards evening.  We are also seeking nominations for The People’s Award for outstanding contribution to football, which allows members of the public to decide the winner by a public vote after an initial shortlist has been developed.

“The awards are a great way to give something back to all those who dedicate their time and energy to developing our young talented players in clubs right across Northern Ireland. Nominations for the Awards can be made via www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards and www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards  so please get online and fill out a nomination form today to ensure your nominations are included. People are encouraged to follow the McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards on twitter @2014Grassroots.” concluded Keith.

ENDS