WALK OUT WITH NI HEROES AS A McDONALD’S PLAYER ESCORT

Northern Ireland face Serbia in a vital Euro 2012 Qualifier at Windsor Park on Friday 2^nd September and four lucky nifootball.co.uk fans will win the chance for their child to walk out hand-in-hand with the Northern Ireland team as a McDonald’s Player Escort.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience comes courtesy of McDonald’s and www.nifootball.co.uk  who have teamed up to give away a tailored prize including the opportunity to come onto the pitch with one of the NI players at the start of the game, a match ticket for the child as well as a parent or guardian, a full national team kit and a McDonald’s IFA goodie bag.

Speaking about the Player Escort opportunity Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football, commented:

“Walking out at Windsor Park is a very special occasion and I’m sure all the children will thoroughly enjoy the experience.  It’s an important game so there’s sure to be a full house and an electric atmosphere in the ground. This is a unique experience and hopefully our McDonald’s Player Escorts will see Northern Ireland get a win.”

 “Player escorts form an integral part of our new Community Partnership with the Irish FA.  This is a very exciting new programme and one which will make a significant impact to the game at grassroots level through a new Club Accreditation Scheme and through our Community Awards, which seek to recognise those who contribute positively to local grassroots football.  Small Sided Games Centres are another key element and provide an excellent mechanism for player development as the five, seven and nine a-side game formats afford children more time on the ball, increased decision-making experiences, more opportunities to score goals, improved communication skills and generally more freedom to express themselves.  This approach ensures that young players are given the best possible opportunity to develop well-rounded skills.  Throughout Europe teams like Spain are now reaping the benefits from this type of coaching and playing structure so this is a very positive move for grassroots football in Northern Ireland.”

To find more details of Small Sided Games Centres taking place in your local area please contact the Irish Football Association at www.irishfa.com or call 028 90 669559.

To enter the competition please answer the question on the following page.