The annual event for kids and families is coming to Derry-Londonderry, Portstewart and Belfast between 31 July and 2 August.

Starting off in Ebrington Square in Derry on Friday 31 July, the event will return to the beach at the landmark Portstewart Strand on Saturday 1 August and will finish the triple header of events in Belfast’s Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Sunday 2 August.

All of the events are completely free to attend and will run from 11am to 4pm each day. No pre-registration is required.

Children and families from across Northern Ireland are invited to take part in introductory coaching sessions under the guidance of top football coaches on a pop-up pitch and skills activities, including ‘Speed of Shot’, passing and goalkeeping challenges.

The football-themed family events, run in partnership with the Irish FA and Irish FA Foundation, are helping McDonald’s celebrate the summer of sport in style, with more kids than ever across the UK feeling inspired to take up football this summer.

The Fun Football Festivals this year will also welcome some very special Fun Football Ambassadors, including Northern Ireland record appearance holder and former captain Steven Davis, legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings and Birmingham City’s Simone Magill.

Paddy Cusack, franchisee at McDonald’s, said McDonald’s is a proud long-standing supporter of grassroots football in Northern Ireland.

He added: “It’s great for McDonald’s to be in a position to get behind events like these, and with three great backdrops for the festivals, the events are set to be a real success again this year.

“You can always feel the energy at the festivals and it’s great to see kids benefit from the physical and mental health advantages of playing football in a fun, inclusive and safe space.

“As a father with young children myself, I know what it’s like keeping kids entertained across the summer, and it’s fantastic that McDonald’s is able to put on such high-quality events like these, completely free of charge. I would encourage all families to attend their nearest festival.”

The Fun Football Festivals are just one part of the McDonald’s Fun Football programme that delivered more than 10.5 million hours of Fun Football for over one million children between 2022 and 2026.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with the Irish FA, Scottish FA, The Football Association of Wales and a network of national coaching providers with regular sessions taking place throughout the year, all across the UK.

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