AROUND 600 children from across Moray enjoyed a fun football event at Elgin City FC on Saturday (April 22).

The event was organised as part a new partnership between two local McDonald’s franchisees and the Scottish FA and is part of a two year initiative, which includes almost 100 free football events and will benefit thousands of local children.

McDonald’s franchisees Craig Duncan and Iain Fyfe have pledged £40,000 to the project, which will ensure young people have free access to the fortnightly football events and monthly festivals.

Craig Duncan, who owns nine McDonald’s restaurants across the Highlands and Grampian said: “This festival has been set up as a showcase of what we’ve funded, for the next two years. Over that time around 20,000 kids will be able to play football in organised events.

“The idea is that kids will get to play football without any charges and can turn up individually or with their teams and just enjoy the game.”

McDonald’s Fun Football initiative aims to increase participation opportunities for kids by giving girls and boys of all abilities access to the sport, removing any cost barrier involved in taking part.

McDonald’s Nairn franchisee, Iain Fyfe said: “It has been a fantastic day all round. We have had over 600 kids come down and play football and lots of families as well who have been enjoying the event."

Graeme Sutherland, Regional Manager North for the Scottish FA added: "This initiative will provide free football for children from Keith all the way into Ross Shire and down to Fort William, which is incredible with everything going on in the world now and how tough things are but it also builds on over a decade of support we’ve had from McDonald’s.

“This allows children who might never otherwise get the chance to access these facilities, to run around and play and have fun with their friends, this simply wouldn’t happen without the support of Craig, Iain, McDonald’s, Elgin city and of course us at Scottish FA - everybody is a winner, especially the communities."

To find out more about Fun Football please visit: scottishfa.co.uk/funfootball

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