Claudy Futsal volunteer celebrates a win at the McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards

Jonny Kavanagh, a local grassroots football volunteer from Claudy Futsal, has been crowned as the winner of the 2025 Futsal Award following the McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards ceremony which took place in October at Belfast City Hall.

The awards have run for over 20 years in Northern Ireland and recognise the unbelievable work and commitment of football clubs and volunteers who give up their time and make a long-lasting impact on young people and communities across Northern Ireland.

The Futsal Award looks to recognise an individual or club who have championed the introduction of Futsal in their community. Jonny is the founder and head coach of Claudy Futsal and runs four sessions each week for children and young people aged three to 16.

The event was supported by a number of high-profile politicians including Minister of Education Paul Givan MLA and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly. MLAs Jonathan Buckley, Colm Gildernew and Kellie Armstrong were also in attendance at the awards.

Former Northern Ireland captain and record appearance holder Steven Davis and Northern Ireland goalkeeping hero Pat Jennings, who is a longstanding McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassador, were also amongst the star-studded line-up of guests at the event. 

Delivering a message to the winners and finalists at the awards ceremony, Steven Davis hailed the impact that the grassroots game in Northern Ireland had on him as he embarked on what became an incredibly successful career at the top level of football.

“The important work being carried out by McDonald’s and the Irish FA ensures that the game continues to thrive at every level, and that all young people in Northern Ireland, regardless of their background or ability, have the opportunity to play football,” he added.

“The dedication and time that volunteers give every week across the season is amazing, and without them, grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist. Congratulations to everyone here this evening.”

McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassador Pat Jennings also piled praise on the award winners and nominees.

He commented: “Having been a Fun Football Ambassador for almost twenty years now, I have witnessed first-hand the significant impact that McDonald’s Fun Football has had, and continues to have, on the lives of young people in Northern Ireland.

“In the time I have spent as an ambassador, I have loved travelling across Northern Ireland meeting the volunteers who make it happen for the kids. It’s taken me right back to where football started for me.

“I have also seen the support that the McDonald’s Franchisees across Northern Ireland have provided to local grassroots football clubs, by providing kits and equipment or by hosting community events. It’s great to see.”

McDonald’s Franchisee David Walker said McDonald’s is passionate about feeding and fostering communities and supporting local families, adding that its commitment to grassroots football is a great way for the company to demonstrate that.

He also pointed out: “The Grassroots Football Awards give us a great opportunity to celebrate our local grassroots football heroes, who are the beating heart of the game we all love here in Northern Ireland. Well done to the winners.”