Budding footballers from Rosario YFC have been treated to an action-packed coaching masterclass by Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager Tanya Oxtoby and striker Emily Wilson.
Tanya and Emily put the young players from the Belfast-based club through their paces as part of M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Well campaign in partnership with the Irish FA.
They delivered a session packed with high-energy drills and tips to help develop the players’ skills after they won a coaching session with members of the Northern Ireland senior international women’s team.
As part of the experience the Rosario YFC players also enjoyed a Q&A session with Tanya and Emily, hosted by Cool FM’s Pete Snodden, where they had the chance to ask their footballing heroes about international football.
In addition the prize included a guided tour of the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, where the young footballers got a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic home of the Northern Ireland senior men’s and women’s teams.
The exclusive coaching masterclass was part of M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Wellcampaign in partnership with the Irish FA that uses the power of football to inspire young people and their families to make healthier food choices and lead active lifestyles.
The campaign links the eating habits of Northern Ireland’s footballing heroes to how they play, promoting positive healthy eating messages for kids in a way that’s engaging, relatable and drives change.
Tracey Darragh, Parent and Coach at Rosario YFC, said: “Our young players have been absolutely buzzing since they found out we’d won this amazing opportunity. From the moment we shared the news, it’s all they’ve talked about, and they couldn’t wait to get on the pitch with the Northern Ireland stars.
“The coaching session was incredible and watching the kids get stuck into the drills and learn from Tanya and Emily was fantastic.
“The Q&A with Pete Snodden gave them the chance to ask their heroes questions directly, and the tour of the National Stadium at Windsor Park was brilliant. We’re so grateful to M&S Food and the Irish FA for this unforgettable day - our kids will be talking about it for years.”
Ryan Lemon, Regional Manager for Northern Ireland at Marks and Spencer, said: “Our Eat Well, Play Well campaign is all about helping young players understand that healthy food choices can have a big impact both on and off the pitch.”
He said he hoped the Rosario kids had “an unforgettable experience” with Tanya and Emily and that the experience would inspire them to continue making smart choices, both in their love for football and in their everyday lives.
Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland Women manager, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with the Rosario YFC kids. These young players have real ability, and you can clearly see their love for the game in the way they actively participated in the coaching session and smiled throughout.
“It’s fantastic to witness their passion for football, but the core message here is about more than just what happens on the pitch - it’s also about developing healthy habits off it.
“By focusing on making smarter food choices these players are setting themselves up for success both in their football journey and in their everyday lives."
For more information on the M&S Food Eat Well, Play Well campaign visit: www.marksandspencer.com/football
