Around 1000 primary school children expected to attend McDonald's Fun Football event at Inverness Caley Thistle stadium
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle are expected to play host to around 1000 children on Sunday afternoon for the flagship McDonald’s Fun Football event of the year – featuring the famous McDonald's inflatables, games, and the chance to play football on professional stadium pitches.
The event, aimed at primary school-aged children, will take place at the Caledonian Stadium between 9am and 5pm on Sunday, April 23.
Football matches have been organised in advance, however inflatables and games are free to access for all kids who would like to attend.
This is part of a recent partnership between two Highland-based McDonald’s franchisees and the Scottish FA.
The wider programme aims to provide over 10 million hours of football to over one million children by 2026, and includes 49 free football events and festivals per year which will benefit thousands of local children in the region.
Girls and boys of all abilities will be given access to the sport, removing any cost barrier involved in taking part.
Hundreds of children have already turned out at Bught Park for the programme's launch event in January.
McDonald’s franchisees Craig Duncan and Iain Fyfe have pledged £40,000 over the next two years to ensure young people have free access to the fortnightly events and monthly festivals.
Speaking on the importance of McDonald’s Fun Football, Inverness-born footballer Ryan Christie, who has 35 caps for the Scotland national team, said: “There was a similar programme that I took part in growing up, so I know how much kids look forward to these weekends.
"Grassroots football is hugely beneficial for communities, and I hope these festivals will help youngsters enjoy the beautiful game.”
The programme is for primary school-aged children and includes a flagship event in April at The Caledonian Stadium, complete with inflatables. McDonald’s Fun Football aims to increase participation opportunities for kids, create stronger club links, develop a volunteer workforce, and provide a fun and safe environment.
“I played in the same festivals as Ryan when I was at school, so I can also attest to how beneficial they were to me as a boy – they’d be the talk of the school in the weeks leading up,” said McDonald’s Nairn franchisee, Iain Fyfe.
“I am delighted to be able to help fund McDonald’s Fun Football in the Highlands, offering a huge number of kids from a diverse range of backgrounds the opportunity to spend their weekends participating in sport and making new friends.”
Craig Duncan, who owns nine McDonald’s restaurants across the Highlands and Grampian, said: “McDonald’s has always been a supporter of grassroots football, so I approached the Scottish FA to see how we could team up and take it to the next level in this region.
"They were delighted to get on board with us, and it’s fantastic to see the hard work everyone has put in come to fruition. Community is at the heart of everything we do.”
Graeme Sutherland, north regional manager at the Scottish FA, added: “Its fantastic news that McDonalds has agreed to support this programme across the Highlands and Moray.
"Both Craig and Iain really understand how important community football and events such as this are, and to be able to ensure this is offered at zero cost is excellent. We look forward to developing our longstanding partnership and benefitting thousands of children across the North.”
Visit scottishfa.co.uk/funfootball if you’d like to find out more about Fun Football, register for information on local Fun Football centres/festivals or order Fun Football activity books
