Lidl launched their partnership with The FA Skills programme earlier this week, as local youngsters enjoyed a showcase session under the Wembley arch.
The grocery chain, who are already official supermarket of the England team, have added their support to the scheme which is available for boys and girls between the age of 5-11.
And with the Skills programme having recently passed the eight million mark in terms of youngsters who have taken part over the last nine years, Lidl UK’s purchasing director Ryan McDonnell is excited for the future.
Lidl UK's purchasing director Ryan McDonnell has spoken about their partnership with The FA Skills programme
"Lidl is totally committed to supporting families and promoting a balanced lifestyle and this fits with how we’re going about our business, expanding in England and opening stores," he said, after seeing former England players Sir Trevor Brooking and Matt Le Tissier herald the partnership and join in with the Skills session.
"This will reach into so many communities across the country and we want to take the Skills initiative to the next level.
"It’s about coming together, getting our customer base and The FA’s Skills centres and the schools together to promote a healthy lifestyle through our products and sport.
"I think we have the products, British products as well because we’ve been developing our range of British suppliers for years, as we expand.
"So to be the official supplier of water, fruit, veg and fish for the FA Skills Programme is brilliant."
The Skills programme began almost nine years ago when Brooking introduced it during his time as FA director of football development and has enjoyed great success since then.
But with the added support of Lidl, McDonnell believes it can only continue to improve for both parties.
McDonnell joined Sir Trevor Brooking and Matt Le Tissier for an FA Skills session at Wembley
"That’s massive and it’s so encouraging," he added. "It’s a great number since its inception in 2007, it’s unbelievable and it’s something that we’re really excited about.
"We want to get to know people in our communities better and families and the initiative is brilliant.
"As Sir Trevor Brooking was saying, that’s when you capture the imagination and kids are going to develop a love for the sport. They’ll do that if they’re in the right place and these facilities, which are professionally organised with top coaches.
"That’s where our investment is going, helping people be a part of that and developing the grassroots culture in England."
