McDonald's UK are set to deliver over 1.2 million hours of free football coaching to over half a million kids around the country as their 'Fun Football'programme returns for 2024, including thousands across Leeds and beyond.
The global fast food chain is bringing back its successful and crucially accessible football coaching campaign to Yorkshire children this spring, and they've also had some England stars helping them spread the word.
With Three Lions and Real Madrid Jude Bellingham midfielder getting on board alongside Lionesses hero and Arsenal star Beth Mead as 'Fun Football' ambassadors, the scheme is hoping to reach more underprivileged areas than ever and give a reminder that the beautiful game is for everyone.
As per The Manc, McDonald's will be providing numerous free football coaching sessions carried out by FA-qualified coaches in over 1,500 locations across Britain. Brilliant news.
Sadly, research shows that over half (56%) of children from lower socio-economic backgrounds are inactive due to the associated costs that surround attending sports activities. This is where big brands embroiled in the community come in.
First set up back in 2018, Maccies' Fun Football programme has adjusted its centre locations to ensure it can offer over 80% of lower-socio urban areas easy access to the scheme and delivered over five million hours of free football coaching across the nation in the first five years.
In addition, Pan-Disability and Visual Impairment sessions are also set to be offered once again to families up and down the country, as roughly a third of disabled children are said to be currently missing out on the benefits of sport.
Led by BBC Children in Need and Sporting People, Bellingham and Mead are by no means the first pro footballers to get involved in the wholesome initiative, with plenty of other sports personalities having chipped in over the past few years.
More than 100 dedicated coaches were trained up as part of the partnership in 2023, with bespoke modules created between McDonald's, British Blind Sport, Kick It Out and England Futsal.
The aim is to ensure Fun Football coaches can welcome any child and adapt sessions accordingly, as well as offer a physical and educational outlet to as many kids as possible.
Children aged 5-11 can take part in sessions starting from Saturday, 6 April until Sunday, 14 July all over the region and the UK, and kids of all abilities are being encouraged to give it a try.
To learn more about where in the Leeds area and across the wider Yorkshire region they're taking place and when, click HERE.
Featured Images — Supplied
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Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Award-winning vintage retailer announces new store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Popular vintage store brand Glass Onion is returning to Leeds with a brand-new permanent site.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is coming back with a bang and expanding into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They'll be taking over the old Levi's jeans unit on Lands Lane and will be opening on Wednesday 18 March, so we really don't have long to wait.
Customers can shop Leeds' best collection of sustainable vintage clothing with every piece hand selected for store at their Yorkshire HQ.
Images: The Sheff
Shop from an expertly curated mix of all your vintage favourites, including Y2K, techwear, workwear, sportswear, boho, and loads more.
The store will also feature big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley. They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
To celebrate the exciting launch, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Danny Jones -
21st March 2024 
