Coaching for the future
Helping to create over 13,000 new volunteer community football coaches across the UK since 2002, with an overall ambition to coach one million children by 2010.
McDonald's, the Official Community Partner of The FA, is proud to support their Respect campaign. Click here to find out more
SFA mark of quality at Bonnyrigg Rose Boys Football Club
3rd September 2008
Bonnyrigg Rose Boys Football Club has been recognised for its valuable contribution to grassroots football as it is one of the first in the Midlothian area to receive the prestigious Scottish FA Quality Mark Standard Award. The award, part of the Quality Mark Accreditation Scheme run by the Scottish FA in partnership with McDonald's, recognises the contribution the club makes to the local community.
Dream comes true at Hampden for Matthew
22nd August 2008
Local youth footballer from Linwood wins national comeptition to win the chance to be a Player Escort at Scotland's International friendly against Northern Ireland, courtesy of McDonald's and the Scottish Football Association.
Grassroots football in Wales given 4 star rating from UEFA
20th August 2008
The Welsh Football Trust has received a huge boost from Uefa in recognition of its work to develop grassroots football across Wales after being awarded 4 stars from the UEFA Grassroots Charter.
Kids live Wembley dream
13th August 2008
Over 54 FA Charter Standard Clubs lived the Wembley Dream when they were given the chance to play on the hallowed turf as part of The FA / McDonald's National Football Festival.
Marton's magic day
11th August 2008
Four lucky youth clubs got the opportunity of a lifetime on 10 August when they took part in a coaching display before The FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.
Proud to be working with the four national FA's to help achieve . . .
- 10,525 coaches in England
- 1,435 in Scotland
- 609 in Wales
- 335 in Northern Ireland
. . . all helping to provide quality coaching to children
Eric's top tips
Eric Harrison, McDonald's Head Coach, has passed on his knowledge to some of the best footballers in the game and is rightly regarded as one of the greatest youth coaches in England.
Tip 1: Fancy Footwork
Line up ten obstacles, pots or jumpers will do, about a meter apart in a line to create a mini slalom.
Tip 1: Fancy Footwork
The player then dribbles the ball in and out of the obstacles. As they improve set times for them to beat to encourage even quicker footwork.
Tip 2: Relay
Divide players into two teams and spread out in a line - Each team then practises four key footballing skills, moving up and down the line each time.
Tip 2: Relay
The four skills practised are:
- Throwing the ball between each other
- Passing the ball by foot between each other
- Dribbling the ball between each other
- Heading the ball between each other.
The first to finish wins!
Tip 3: Team Talk
It's important to hold a pre-training and post-training briefing with the team to communicate what each training session aims to achieve and at the end, whether this has been done. It's a also a good time to take stock and answer any concerns.
Tip 3: Team Talk
Encourage players to communicate with each other as well to help create strong team spirit and work out ways for players to communicate with one another during the practice session and match.
