News & Events

6^th August 2007

Ask any aspiring young Beckham, Gerrard or Rooney where they'd like to play a game of football and Wembley Stadium, the recently-opened home of the beautiful game, is sure to feature at the top of their wish list.

800 children from around the UK followed in the footsteps of their footballing heroes for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the hallowed turf of what is known as 'The Home of Football'. Every player also walked the stadiums famous steps to collect a well-earned medal having represented their County FA during the day.

The event has been organised by McDonald's, The FA's Community Partner, and The FA as the pinnacle of McDonald's regional festival tour which saw over 50 free festivals held across the country for over 37,000 children. The goals used during the day were Junior IGOALs, the revolutionary new portable goals from Redyset, who were asked to support the event by Steve Williams, the FA National Facilities Manager and were delighted to be able to support this event.

World Cup hero, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, McDonald's Director of Football, who said: "McDonald's football festival programme continues to go from strength to strength and the National Festival provides a fitting finale to this year's programme. It's also great to involve some of the 9,500 community coaches that we've helped to create who work tirelessly to provide children in communities all over England with increased access to free qualified coaching. It should be a great day!"

Also there on the day, Steve McClaren, the England manager, said the event was aimed at boosting the standard and availability of qualified coaching for young players. Also tirelessly signing autographs was Sir Trevor Brooking, FA Director of Football Development.