NORTHERN IRELAND LADIES MANAGER ALISON NICHOL LAUNCHES 2017 NORTHERN IRELAND MUM OF THE YEAR AWARD

Northern Ireland coach calls for nominations to recognise hardworking mums 

Northern Ireland U–17’s ladies manager Alison Nichol launched this year’s McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award during last night’s half–time interval at Northern Ireland’s match against Norway. Alison; mum of three year old Zac is calling for people across Northern Ireland to nominate a deserving ‘football mum’ for the 2017 McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award. As a champion of the campaign, Alison is looking for mums who go above and beyond so their children can experience the enjoyment of playing football, week–in–week–out.

Introduced in 2015, the McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award aims to celebrate the critical role mums play in keeping the grassroots game going, by selflessly dedicating countless hours of their spare time – often while juggling work and childcare commitments – to all aspects of the game. It is looking to recognise football mums who are leading by example; qualifying as coaches, managing the club finances, helping to run their child’s local team or even starting a local team simply so their children and their friends can play.

McDonald’s Northern Ireland Football Mum of the Year ambassador Alison Nicholl, said: “It’s brilliant to be a part of this amazing campaign for the second year running. I get to hear so many inspirational stories of mums across Northern Ireland doing incredible things to keep kids playing football. 

“I love the stories I get to hear from mums who have taken on official roles including becoming a coach or club secretary, setting up their own girls team, running whole football leagues or organising kit and equipment. I have so much respect for these mums who are taking their involvement in football to another level all to help the game.”

McDonald’s 2016 NI Mum of the Year added “Being a football mum takes up about 75% of my life. But for me, I just like getting stuck in at every level of the club. Whether it’s collecting all the club members’ season subscriptions, ordering kits, organising training, tournaments, or arranging end of season and festive holiday day outs. I am just the sort of person that likes to take the reins and if the kids are smiling, happy and enjoying it, then I’ll be there no matter what.”

Nominations for the McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award are open now and will close on Sunday 30th April. To nominate now go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards

Alison Nichol will present the Northern Ireland Football Mum of the Year Award to the winner at the IFA and McDonald’s Community Football Awards evening taking place this November in Derry~Londonderry.