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McDonald's Small Sided Games Development Programme

Following Department of Health guidance on COVID-19, the Irish Football Association and McDonald’s have taken the decision to postpone our McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centres Programme sessions until later in the year.

The IFA and McDonald’s are committed to offering free football to children of all ages and abilities in a safe and enjoyable environment and will only offer these sessions when it is completely safe to do so. The centres will run once we can ensure the wellbeing of our players, coaches and parents, based on the latest government public health advice.

  • You can still register for the McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centres Programme here

The main objective of the McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centres Programme, is to develop new football skills and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle among boys and girls from 6 - 12 years old.

The value of a McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centre is to provide youngsters with an opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skill and creativity.

The aim is to provide training and game environments that promote the continued improvement of ball skills, an increased game awareness, and an appreciation for taking calculated risks in the attack through small-sided games.

The small-sided game model is an effective method for developing ball skills and game awareness because it increases opportunities for players to have contact with the ball and to both attack and defend without the tactical regimentation that can occur in 11 v 11 football.

Competition is a central element in a player’s development. However, a competitive environment should not be a result- oriented environment.

A competitive environment at this level should encourage decisions from player and coach alike that focus on performance rather than outcome (favouring ball skills and inventiveness).

For small sided games registration, please CLICK HERE

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