McDonalds set sights on Euro glory

All of these teams are seeking the chance to represent the UK at a special McDonald’s Euro Cup staff football tournament in Warsaw.

35 teams from across Northern Ireland took part in the Belfast Regional Heat.

Coleraine were winners of the ladies’s category and Newry succeeded in the men’s.

Both teams will now go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK finals at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

The UK winners will then receive an all expenses-paid trip to Warsaw on June 28, taking part in the Euro 2012 Semi Final there.

The winning team will then go on to participate in the McDonald’s Euro Cup on June 30, in the same ground in Warsaw.

Goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings presided over the Belfast heat through his position as McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland football.

Commenting on the competition, Pat Jennings said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the McDonald’s Cup.

“It was a competitive tournament but one that was played in a great spirit.

“This year had the extra incentive of a chance to qualify for Poland so the staff teams were really giving their all.

“I’d like to congratulate the Coleraine and Newry teams and hope they go on to further success at the UK finals and, fingers crossed, Warsaw.”

The McDonald’s Cup is an important part of McDonald’s Community Partnership with the Irish FA.

This year will be celebrating 10 years of the partnership.

A partnership through which McDonald’s is helping young footballers shine.

It is currently delivering a lasting legacy for grassroots football.

This is achieved through on-going coach creation, coach education, a new Club Accreditation Scheme, through a series of regional Small Sided Games Centres and through the McDonald’s Irish Footbal Association Community Awards which recognise and rewards the unsung heroes of grassroots football.