Mcdonald’s Signs Up Lauren James As Ambassador

England and Chelsea footballer Lauren James has signed a multi-year ambassador deal to support the McDonald’s ‘Fun Football’ programme.

The 22-year-old joins Real Madrid talisman Jude Bellingham and Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk as ambassadors of the nationwide initiative, which provides free coaching for children aged 5-11.

The Fun Football programme will offer training sessions to more than 500,000 participants this year, and will also include training for children with disabilities and visual impairments.

The purpose-driven initiative is also aiming to incite participation in sport among Black and Asian children.

A study led by Sport England revealed in December that only 40% of Black and Asian young children engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, compared to 54% of white children.

Lauren James said, “I want to inspire as many girls and boys as possible to play football. When I was growing up, I didn’t have those role models to look up to in the women’s game. That’s why I’m working with McDonald’s Fun Football to help children from all backgrounds play the game.

“Having fun playing football is the most important thing and you can see how much it meant to the kids in the session today. To have a chance to express yourself, in a safe and welcoming environment, for an hour is so important at their age.”

Louise Page, Head of Consumer Communications & Partnerships at McDonald’s, added, “With Lauren’s help, we want to inspire children of all backgrounds to get out and play football. 

“We are putting on more sessions in more locations than ever in 2024. Meaning that all children across the UK will have free football on their doorstep. 

“She has faced barriers in the game that are sadly too common, and we will help her to continue to challenge and break these barriers down so the next generation don’t have to.”

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