McDonald’s is bringing its free Fun Football Festival back to the beach in Portstewart along with special guest ambassador Steven ‘Davo’ Davis.

The event will return to the Portstewart Strand on Saturday 9 August, running from 11am to 4pm. The festival and is open to all and no pre-registration is required. 

Furthermore, carparking on the beach on Saturday 9 August will be covered by McDonald’s and is also free of charge.

Children and families from across Northern Ireland are invited to take part in introductory coaching sessions under the guidance of top football coaches on a pop-up pitch and skills activities including ‘Speed of Shot’, passing and goalkeeping challenges. 

Starting off in Belfast Grand Central Station on Friday 8 August, the triple header of Fun Football Festivals will be in Portstewart on Saturday 9 August and will finish in the shadow of the Mournes in Donard Park, Newcastle on Sunday 10 August.

The football-themed family events are helping McDonald’s celebrate the summer of sport in style, with more kids than ever across the UK feeling inspired to take up football this summer. 

Bruce Baillie, Franchisee of the two McDonald’s restaurants in Coleraine, said McDonald’s is a proud long-standing supporter of grassroots football in Northern Ireland.

He added: “It’s fantastic that McDonald’s is able to put on such high-quality events like these completely free of charge, and with three great backdrops for the festivals, the events are set to be a real success again this year. 

“You can always feel the energy at the festivals and it’s great to see kids benefit from the physical and mental health advantages of playing football in a fun, inclusive and safe space.

“I would encourage all parents and families to attend one of the festivals.”

The Fun Football Festivals are just one part of the McDonald’s Fun Football programme that will deliver over 10.5 million hours of Fun Football for over one million children by 2026, making it the largest grassroots participation programme in the UK. The programme is delivered in collaboration with the Irish FA, Scottish FA, The Football Association of Wales and a network of national coaching providers with regular sessions taking place throughout the year all across the UK.