Girlguiding and McDonald's Fun Football team up to inspire girls

Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls and McDonald's Fun Football, the nationwide grassroots initiative for children aged 5-11 have joined forces. Setting out to encourage and support more girls than ever before, starting their football journey.

As 61% of parents say that key tournaments and milestones in the women’s game have a direct impact on girls’ participation, this exciting partnership couldn’t come at a better time. Launching alongside this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro tournament, all Brownies (girls aged 7–10) will be offered free access to an additional four weeks of Fun Football sessions taking place in their local areas throughout July.

To follow in September, Brownies will also be able to commemorate their participation in local sessions with a special co-designed Fun Football badge. Thanks to this partnership, over 10,000 girls in Girlguiding are estimated to play football for the very first time across the UK.

Fun Football ambassador & Lioness Beth Mead said:

Having fun is what football is all about, and having visited many Fun Football sessions recently you could really see how much the kids enjoyed themselves. It’s amazing to be part of something that helps children fall in love with the game, just like I did. The McDonald’s Fun Football programme being available nationwide is huge—and now, with the new partnership with Girlguiding, even more girls will get the chance to try football for the first time, get a special badge, and feel part of something exciting.

The collaboration aims to spark interest and enthusiasm for football among girls, while promoting the sport's inclusivity. McDonald's Fun Football is a nationwide grassroots initiative designed to get children active and enjoying the beautiful game in a fun, pressure-free environment. The programme offers free coaching sessions led by qualified coaches, focusing on building confidence, teamwork, and a love for football—regardless of skill level.

With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and enjoyment, McDonald’s Fun Football, now together with Girlguiding is helping to inspire the next generation of girls, one kick at a time.

The research also revealed that over half of parents (52%) believe gender bias and stereotypes discourage girls from taking part in football coaching sessions. Encouragingly, 85% of parents agree that McDonald’s Fun Football plays a significant role in making football more accessible for all children.

With 85% of parents agreeing that their daughter’s involvement in football has a positive impact on their overall well-being and development — and 74% noticing a rise in girls’ participation in the sport since 2020 — the launch of the McDonald’s Fun Football and Girlguiding partnership couldn’t be more timely.

Angela Salt, Girlguiding CEO, said: “Our exciting new partnership with McDonald’s Fun Football helps us to continue challenging outdated gender stereotypes still holding girls back. In Girlguiding, we believe girls can do anything - and that includes football, whether learning the basics or landing a penalty shot! As a young girl we weren’t really allowed to play but now and as a weekly footballer myself I know first-hand how much fun it can be. It’s a great sport to play and to watch and I’m delighted that even more girls will now have the opportunity to get involved this summer. Building their confidence on the pitch and celebrating their achievements with a special badge.”

Andrew Moys, McDonald’s Vice President Impact, added: "We’re incredibly proud of our long-standing commitment to grassroots football, and with the McDonald’s Fun Football programme, our mission is to make it not only the largest but also the most inclusive free football initiative in the UK. This year, we’re thrilled to be teaming up with Girlguiding and provide a platform for more girls to kick-start their football journey. It’s a powerful step towards making football more accessible and inclusive for all.”

Girls in Girlguiding are up to 28% more confident than girls in the UK on average.** Girlguiding provides a space for over 300,000 girls and young women across the UK to have fun and try new things without judgement or the many pressures girls face in today’s world from everyday sexism, online pressures and social anxieties.

Girls from age 4 in the organisation’s youngest section Rainbows, right up to young women aged 18 in Rangers, are supported through the charity’s core programme of activities and badges empowering them to know they can do anything.

McDonald’s Fun Football will have provided over 750,000 children with access to free football sessions across more than 1,600 locations and 300,000 hours of free coaching, ahead of a landmark summer of women’s football.

Four extra weeks of McDonald’s Fun Football sessions have been added across July - available for all children aged 5-11. Head to mcdonaldsfunfootball.co.uk/funfootball to sign up to your free local session now.