In 2009, McDonald’s and The FA announced their new four-year Community Partnership which aims to raise standards and increase participation across every aspect of English grassroots football.
A key component of this agreement is the Charter Standard Programme which is focused on ensuring that 75% of all youth clubs are awarded FA Charter Standard status – which in turn will help to deliver 150 Charter Standard Leagues before the end of 2014.
The FA Charter Standard Club Programme provides recognition that clubs are well run, sustainable, with child protection and safety paramount. It also recognises the club’s commitment to coaching, player and coach development and the raising of standards of behaviour in the game.
Another important component of the Community Partnership is McDonald’s Club Twinning Scheme. Started in 2008, the scheme has already seen over 700 grassroots football clubs twinned with McDonald’s restaurants across the country; receiving support through the provision of kit and equipment, help with facilities, business advice and even partnering to host football events in the local community.
The Club Twinning Scheme has been a success throughout the country – here are just a couple of examples of how the partnership works well:
McDonald’s franchisee James Kirkpatrick from Fleet supports his local club, Fleet Town Youth FC. He says, “I’m proud to support those community grassroots football clubs who do a fantastic job in keeping the local youngsters active. My Fleet Road restaurant has been twinned with Fleet Town Youth FC and I hope that by supporting the club through the donation of kit and equipment we can help them to grow and encourage more children to get involved in the national game.”
Whittlesey Junior Football Club U10s, in Peterborough, is supported by McDonald’s in Peterborough. Graham Sharman, the chairman of the club says, “It is a privilege to be supported by McDonald’s and is testament to the hard work put in by current and past members in helping to establish us in to the Charter Standard club we are today.”
Would you like to win a training pack for your team? McDonald’s is offering 10 lucky Charter Standard teams the chance to receive a Club Twinning pack which contains, training cones, speed ladder, Slalom poles and passing arc.
To enter the draw for your pack, click here.