Over 4,600 FA Charter Standard Clubs are set to receive new kits for their junior teams as part of FA Community partner McDonald’s ongoing commitment to grassroots football.
The scheme, which was launched at Wembley on Monday, will see up to 150,000 strips distributed to affiliated clubs over the course of the four-year programme.
McDonald’s programme ambassadors Aaron Ramsey and Casey Stoney joined ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown and youngsters from Northolt based, Larkspur Rovers Football Club, who are among the first recipients of new kits.
Aaron Ramsey returns to Wembley on Sunday
Ramsey, who will be making a Wembley return on Sunday with Arsenal for The FA Community Shield against Manchester City, said: “Grassroots clubs and their volunteers offer an incredible amount of time to providing local communities with footballing opportunities.
"It is so important that we support them in as many ways as possible to help them raise the standards of football that they offer.”
The FA’s General Secretary Alex Horne said: “The FA Charter Standard kitemark for grassroots clubs has been a priority for The Football Association over the last decade so we’re delighted that McDonald’s are renewing their commitment to supporting the programme for a further four years.
"FA Charter Standard provides great development opportunities for clubs whist making sure that boys and girls get to play football in a safe and friendly environment.
“McDonald’s have been long-term advocates of the grassroots game in England and we look forward to building on the great work that’s already in place.”
Keown, Stoney and Ramsey at Wembley
McDonald’s UK Managing Director, Mark Hawthorne said: “McDonald’s has worked alongside The UK FAs for the last 12 years and during this time has helped thousands of UK clubs, enabling over 4 million kids to play good quality football.
"Our new partnership focuses on raising the standards at grassroots clubs from better safety, and better advice, to better kit and better recognition for volunteers.
"Over the next four years, each year we will work with the four Home Nation Football Associations and their official kit suppliers to give away brand new kits to every accredited club with a youth team across the UK."
To find out more about McDonald’s new partnership with The FA and the community club kit scheme visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/betterplay
