SIR GEOFF HURST CELEBRATES THOUSANDS OF LOCAL CHILDREN RECEIVING FREE FOOTBALL KIT
Football legend joins Bradley Stoke Youth football club to celebrate over 97 grassroots football clubs across the region receiving new team kit as part of a McDonald’s programme
Bradley Stoke Youth grassroots football teams were joined by a special guest on Sunday November 16th, as ex-England football player and McDonald’s Director of Football, Sir Geoff Hurst made a surprise appearance at their training session. He joined players and coaches at an event to celebrate the success of the McDonald’s FA Charter Standard Kit Scheme which has seen over 48,000 kits distributed across England this year – and over 1,100 in the region alone.

After dishing out the new kits, Sir Geoff Hurst joined the youngsters at their training session and shared his own tips and techniques to help them to shine on the pitch.

Over 97 grassroots clubs across the region have received new Nike team kits as part of the McDonald’s FA Charter Standard Kit Scheme. Run in partnership with The FA and their official kit supplier Nike, the community programme aims to raise the standards of grassroots football for young aspiring footballers by giving over 4,600 FA Charter Standard clubs with a junior team in England the chance to order a new strip every year for the next four seasons.

Sir Geoff Hurst said: “We cannot underestimate the importance of grassroots football, and the hard work that volunteers at clubs such as Bradley Stoke Youth FC put in each week so that players have access to the game in a safe environment. To be able to provide this great coaching grassroots clubs need financial support in other areas, which is why the McDonald’s FA Charter Standard Kit Scheme is so important. I can certainly remember what it was like putting on a new team shirt for the first time – you get a real feeling of unity and team spirit, which gives you more confidence on the pitch. I’m proud to be part of a programme which helps make young people feel the same way. ”

Mike Guerin, whose local McDonald’s restaurant in Cribbs Causeway has supported Bradley Stoke Youth football club for the last 10 years, said: “Bradley Stoke Youth is a great example of a grassroots football club which provides young people in the local community with the opportunity to feel part

of a successful team. These clubs make great efforts to provide high quality training, which is so crucial in developing talent for the future. It’s important that businesses like McDonald's support them and help to create the best possible experience for young aspiring players. I have worked with this club for many years and am proud to be involved with such a well organised and inclusive club which continues to go from strength to strength.”