Northern Ireland v Netherlands

Some of this year’s winners of McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards with McDonald’s ambassadors Pat Jennings and John Barnes

Disability FC. The 22-year-old’s immersive work with the east Belfast club covers everything from administration to coaching and personally helping each player. St Malachy’s OB Youth FC lifted the Club of the Year trophy. The north Belfast club has developed rapidly since forming in 2015. It now has more than 200 players, both boys and girls, and it is constantly developing its structures off the pitch, including a cross-community partnership with Albert Foundry. And the McDonald’s Football Restaurant of the Year accolade went to John Conan, the franchisee of the McDonald’s at Boucher Road in Belfast. John and his restaurant team were recognised for their cross-community work, supporting local sides such as Blackstaff Juniors, Willowbank and more recently CSP and Sandy Row Bears by providing equipment and other forms of backing.

Other winners on the night included McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Paula Byrne, who coaches the U12 girls’ team at Camlough FC. Paula has established a strong girls’ section at the south Armagh club despite stepping forward to volunteer with no footballing experience or background. The Inclusive Project of the Year accolade recognises inclusivity, upholding the Football For All ethos. This year it went to mental health charity TAMHI (Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues), which ensures sports groups across Northern Ireland have the structures and mechanisms in place to support positive mental health. It also works with the Irish FA Foundation on its successful Ahead of the Game programme, which focuses on promoting positive mental health. Jordan Wray was named Young Volunteer of the Year. Jordan has played a key role in Glentoran

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