McDonald’s Match Funding boost for Coleraine Academy

McDonald’s Coleraine is one of the first recipients of the new Match Fund programme, designed to create opportunities and build community relationships by funding football projects that allow clubs to grow. This involves an investment being made by local McDonald’s franchisee Bruce Baillie and matched by McDonald’s which will benefit Coleraine Academy FC and the wider local community.

Commenting on the investment announcement Bruce Baillie said: “McDonald’s is very much part of the local community and is committed to supporting grassroots football in the Coleraine area. We have worked with Coleraine Academy for a number of years and it is a very well-managed local club, run by volunteers who are delivering real benefits to grassroots football and to society in general. We are proud to be extending our long-standing support of the club.”

Andy Alcorn, Coleraine FC Academy Chairman and Community Liaison Officer added: “I’d like to thank McDonald’s Coleraine for their very kind investment. To have coaches undertaking their Level One qualifications is an expensive process so the funding is much appreciated and will be of great benefit to the club. The Academy continues to grow and we currently cater for children from over 40 local primary schools so to have six newly qualified coaches will be a massive boost.”

McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football Pat Jennings paid a visit to the restaurant and he outlined the important role played by coaches: “Coaches are absolutely vital to the future of grassroots football and to have six new, qualified coaches will be a major benefit, both for the children and for the parents and fellow coaches alike. McDonald’s Coleraine and Coleraine Academy is an example of a successful Match Funding partnership that is delivering real benefits to grassroots football so long may this continue.”

Match Funding forms a key part of McDonald’s Official Community Partnership with the Irish FA, a partnership that is celebrating ten years this year and is helping young footballers shine. As part of this support McDonald’s also launched a new website dedicated to grassroots football, McDonald’s Kickstart, where local clubs can secure funding for development projects, get access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like your child’s chance to walk out as a Player Escort at Windsor Park and useful information on coaching or running a club. For full details visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kickstart