McDonald’s give rising football players a kick-start

a group of young men playing a game of football


The program, in its inaugural year, is a joint initiative between McDonald?s Sydney and Southern NSW restaurants in-conjunction with Football NSW.
The program will reach over 65,000 primary school aged children from Central Coast to Merimbula this year, with the aim of developing the game at a grassroots level.
Schwarzer, the younger brother of Socceroo, Mark Schwarzer, who is currently playing for Middlesbrough (England), is playing his first season for Penrith Nepean United.
?I was proud to launch the inaugural McDonald?s and Football NSW ?Kick It Kids? School?s Development Program.
?My brother Mark and I have been passionate about football from a young age and used to kick the ball around in the backyard together.
“Having played for Richmond RSL club at the age of five, I understand the importance of encouraging children to get active and involved in a team sport,? said Mr Schwarzer.
Ian and Kathryn Garton, McDonald?s Penrith licensees, say McDonald?s is proud to partner with Football NSW and make a valuable contribution to the development of the game at grassroots level.
?We encourage all NSW primary schools to get involved in the program.
“This is a great way for schools to foster student involvement in team sport with their friends and help them lead a balanced and active lifestyle,? said Mr and Mrs Garton.
Over 400 coaching clinics will be delivered by Football NSW accredited coaches throughout the region, teaching football skills such as passing, dribbling, juggling and heading balls, as well as the importance of exercise and basic nutritional information.
The sponsorship of the coaching program is part of a wider sponsorship commitment of the game from McDonald?s restaurants in the region, which also includes naming sponsorship of the Find A Club website, McDonald?s Junior Football Star Scholarships and McDonald?s Encouragement Awards for the region?s rising football stars.
Michael Quarmby, Football NSW Chief Executive Officer, says the organisation is proud to partner with McDonald?s for the ?Kick It Kids? School?s Development Program.
?Following Australia?s success in the 2006 World Cup and the excitement of the A League Grand Final, the sport?s popularity has soared within NSW and it is great to have more children participate and enjoy the sport,? said Mr Quarmby.
For more information or to register your school to take part in the McDonald?s Football NSW School?s Development Program, contact Football NSW on 02 8814 4455.