McDonald’s Fun Football Day returned this year with a special focus on championing and inspiring the next generation of female footballers with an all-girls attendance at a local pitch in West London. In light of this summer’s tournament, the 2025 event was dedicated to highlighting the rapid growth and increasing importance of female participation in the beautiful game.
- Women’s Super League and England stars Lauren James, Beth Mead, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Grace Clinton joined Wales internationals Olivia Clarke, Hannah Cain, and Kayleigh Barton surprised local girls at an unforgettable free football session
- By the end of 2025, McDonald’s Fun Football will provide over 750,000 children with access to free football sessions across 1,600+ locations
- McDonald’s Fun Football Day is part of a wider initiative, providing up to 300,000 hours of free coaching sessions to kids across the UK ahead of a big summer of football
The 100 lucky youngsters enjoyed dedicated coaching and playing alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, Chelsea stars Lauren James and Aggie-Beever Jones, and England teammates Beth Mead and Grace Clinton. That all-star lineup was also joined by three Welsh Women’s National Team players – Hannah Cain, Olivia Clarke and Kayleigh Barton – ahead of them heading out to Switzerland for their debut tournament this summer. A truly unforgettable afternoon to inspire the next generation of talent.
Led by FA-accredited McDonald’s Fun Football coaches, the day showcased a number of exciting games designed to make football fun, inclusive and accessible for all. This summer, McDonald’s has committed to providing up to 300,000 hours of free coaching sessions for kids throughout the UK.
England and Chelsea forward Lauren James remarked:
“I’m happy to be inspiring young girls that are getting into football. Our game is growing like crazy and it’s great to see so many girls getting involved at a grassroots level. The sessions that McDonald’s are putting on are playing a huge role in making football more accessible and inclusive. For me, it’s important to give every child, regardless of background, the chance to fall in love with the game and believe they can be the stars of the future.”
Arsenal star Beth Mead stated:
“It’s amazing to see the work being done, not just at events like today, but right across the country. McDonald’s Fun Football is giving thousands of kids the chance to get involved this summer. I hope we can inspire every single one of them while we’re out in Switzerland representing the nation. Opportunities like this would have meant the world to me growing up, and I’d encourage every parent to get their kids along to free sessions like this one.”
Leicester and Wales goalie Olivia Clarke added:
“The McDonald’s Fun Football programme is playing a huge role in encouraging young girls to get involved in football. Seeing nearly 100 girls out on the pitch today, all smiling and enjoying themselves, shows just how powerful these sessions can be. It’s inspiring to see.”
The McDonald’s Fun Football Programme is a nationwide football initiative that provides free FA qualified football coaching for children aged 5 – 11. The programme has been running for over 20 years and is now available in over 80% of lower-socio urban areas allowing more families to access free football than ever before.
Parents can find their nearest free session at www.McDonalds.co.uk/football
