With one week to go until the deadline of the 26th May for the Regional Awards and People Award nominations, ex Northern Ireland, Manchester United and Chelsea player Mal Donaghy, believes that the Irish FA and McDonald’s Community Partnership is key to developing football at a grassroots level.

“Through McDonald’s Community Partnership with the Irish FA – which dates back to 2002 – there are fundamental structures in place including club accreditation, improving the level of coaching qualifications, and a focus on clubs which I believe can only help the game continue to develop and grow,” said Mal.

“Another great initiative are the ‘Small sided games’ centres which encourage children to develop skills in a controlled environment which affords them more time on the ball and facilitates better overall player development.

Mal was a pivotal member of the Northern Ireland squad throughout his career and the first of his 91 caps came in May 1980 at Windsor Park in the 1–0 Home International Championship victory over Scotland. He further enhanced his reputation during the 1982 and 1986 World Cup finals where he played in four of Northern Ireland's five games and in Northern Ireland's final match in the 1986 tournament, the 4–1 defeat by France in Madrid.

Keen to ensure that the coaches, clubs and volunteers who display exceptional commitment to grassroots football here are recognised, Mal in his current role as IFA Disability Football Development Officer is encouraging nominations for the McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards 2014 which take place later this year and reward coaches and volunteers who contribute time and effort to community football.

“I know just how dedicated people are to the game at local level and I think it’s only right that such people are rewarded for their hard work because they are the true driving force behind grassroots football in Northern Ireland.

“The awards offer a chance to all those involved in grassroots football to shout about the people that make a difference to them. The People's Award especially is about finding the true heroes of grassroots football. Those that have given their life to the game and in doing so have helped others to enjoy it. This is an elite award which recognises excellence and those that will leave a true legacy for others to benefit from. Anyone nominated for this award should be a role model and the centre of their local football community.

“Nominations for the McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards can be made via www.McDonalds.co.uk/Awards and www.IrishFA.com/CommunityAwards  so please go online and fill out a nomination form today,” concluded Mal.

ENDS