Trevor Sinclair will launch a summer of McDonald’s FA Community Football Days in the company of hundreds of children in Penrith this weekend.
The former Blackpool, QPR, West Ham, Manchester City and England midfielder will be special guest at the event, hosted by Cumberland County FA which will showcase grassroots football in the local area and provide a shop window for participating clubs to recruit new players and volunteers.
"McDonald’s provides great support to clubs across the country, enabling thousands of young players to get their first taste of football," said Sinclair.
Girls get involved at a McDonald's Community Football Day last year
"These Community Football Days are designed to really showcase the amazing work local clubs do throughout the year, and also offer the perfect opportunity for anyone in the local community to get involved and have a kick-about."
Over the summer a series of similar events will be taking place around the country supported by McDonald’s as part of its community partnership with The FA.
As The FA’s longest standing partner, McDonald’s is committed to supporting The FA’s wider vision to boost participation in the national game.
There are now over 60,000 mini soccer and youth football teams – 85 per cent of which have attained Charter Standard status which means nearly one million U16s now have access to a qualified coach through their clubs.
McDonald’s Director of Football, Sir Geoff Hurst, said: "Grassroots clubs up and down the country are hosting football fun days for everyone to enjoy.
"It is so important that we offer everyone from the surrounding community the opportunity to get involved with their local clubs and what better way to do it than bring them together at the start of the season.
"As a result clubs will grow and prosper but more importantly we are providing them the support to offer better opportunities for youngsters to get involved in grassroots football."
The Penrith event forms part of a weekend festival of football hosted by Cumberland FA set to feature over 2,500 players from across the County.
James Reid, Cumberland FA’s Football Development Officer said: "It’s fantastic that we have been able to secure one of the McDonalds Community Football Days in partnership with The FA. The aim of the festival has always been about providing an environment for all to enjoy.
"Having ambassadors of the game like Trevor Sinclair attending to help inspire these young players and help them love the game even more is something you can’t put a price on. We just hope the sun continues to shine now on what is set to be a biggest festival yet."
You can find your local McDonald’s FA Community Football Day by clicking here.
