Since launching in 2024, the partnership has gone from strength to strength - with over 500 applications received this year alone, reflecting the growing appetite for inclusive opportunities in grassroots coaching.
This year alone, Kick it Out and McDonald’s Fun Football has delivered over 100 coaching bursaries so far awarded - opening doors for individuals who may not otherwise have had the means to progress in the sport. Of those who applied, 70% took part in the ‘Introduction to Football Coaching’ course, while 30% progressed to the UEFA C Licence, marking an important step in advancing provision of qualified coaches across the UK.
Now in its second year, the collaboration continues to expand the reach of its first-of-its-kind coaching development platform, designed to help grassroots coaches recognise and address unconscious bias while promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. As part of this effort, the McDonald’s Fun Football and Kick It Out coaching bursary has continued to remove financial barriers for aspiring coaches from underrepresented backgrounds.
The programme continues to champion diversity and inclusion within football, with 32% of participants identifying as women, 18% as people with a disability, and 54% coming from ethnically diverse communities. Geographically, the initiative had nationwide reach including 24% from London, 19% from the West Midlands, 8% from South Yorkshire, and 7% from Greater Manchester - showcasing a broad and growing impact across regions.
Many bursary recipients have since gone on to coach McDonald’s Fun Football sessionsacross the UK, ensuring every child regardless of background or ability, has a welcoming place to play. Over the past 18 months, several success stories have emerged from the partnership, with participants building sustainable careers in coaching and inspiring the next generation of players.
Pharrell, a Kick it Out graduate coach, said: “It isn’t just about being a coach, it’s about being a mentor, a role model and inspiring others to be leaders in their own community. This bursary will help me do that”
Farhiya, a Kick it Out coach in-training, said: “Growing up as a young Somali girl, I loved playing football, but I never saw anyone who looked like me. Through this bursary, I’m able to pursue coaching and inspire others who might feel the same way I did.”
McDonald’s Fun Football provided over 750,000 children with access to free football sessions across more than 1,600 locations and 300,000 hours of free coaching. For more information on how to complete the course or apply for the coaching bursary, contact: [email protected]
For further information on McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football follow @FunFootballUK on Twitter and Instagram.
