Over 1000 people attended on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July at The Riverside, Chester le Street, with Hurst and David Beckham coach Eric Harrison supporting the event.

Sir Geoff said "The event has been a tremendous success and it is great to see so many young kids playing grassroots football in good quality Charter Standard Clubs".

McDonalds supported the event by supplying an inflatable pitch 5-a-side pitch, inflatable shoot out and dribbling areas, with prizes for all those who took part.

Every child was treated to free water and fruit along with McDonalds goody bags with medals and badges for every participant that took part in the festival.

For more information and support for grassroots football call the Durham FA Development Team on 0191 387 2928 or visit www.durhamfa.com/development


Sir Geoff Hurst and Eric Harrison were also present at West Riding County FA and McDonalds' Charter Standard Festival on Saturday 23 July.

Over 50 clubs and schools brought over 700 U10 and U12 football loving boys and girls to take part in a variety of coaching stations.

Sir Geoff was on hand to present the awards and top Manchester United coach Harrison was on the look out for new talent as the pair spent the day at the event watching and chatting to the players and coaches.

Eric Harrison, who coached a generation of players from Ryan Giggs to David Beckham said: "It’s been a great day and it’s good to see how the quality of coaching at grassroots has improved over the years. Good coaches are vital to the development of any player no matter what age or ability"

After emerging from a marathon two hour, autograph session Sir Geoff said: "Charter Standard is the benchmark for any club wishing to give youngsters the best start in football and I am delighted to be working with the FA in recognising the tireless work grassroots coaches put into local teams and communities"