Football legends kick festival weekend off to a winning start

Families from across the city enjoyed free football coaching, games and mini tournaments and were given the opportunity to practice their skills on inflatable games areas. Guests were also given the opportunity to display their skills in front of the former Northern Ireland greats and quiz them about their considerable footballing knowledge and experience.

Commenting about the festival, Pat Jennings, McDonald's Head of Northern Ireland Football said: "I was delighted to attend the McDonald's Football Open Day in Lisburn and it was very encouraging to see the level of interest there is for grassroots football in the Lisburn area. McDonald's is committed to providing more football for all and through events such as this football festival weekend we are able to pass on significant benefits for grassroots football throughout Northern Ireland."

The Lisburn Open Day was carried out in conjunction with local club Lisburn Wanderers, which McDonald's Sprucefield supports through McDonald's 'Club Twinning' programme – an initiative to create links between local restaurants and grassroots clubs.

John McCollum, franchisee of McDonald's Sprucefield added: "Our football festival was a great success and hopefully will assist the club as they embark on a new season. I'd like to thank Pat and Jim for attending the event and adding more excitement to a fantastic day for the whole family. I'd also like to thank Laurelhill Community College for assisting us in hosting the event. McDonald's Sprucefield is very much part of the local community and we were thrilled to host an event where families from all over the greater Lisburn area and beyond were able to participate in a fun-filled day."