Mcboost for the footy

A PARTNERSHIP between McDonalds and the South East Junior Football League will see grassroots football in Melbourne’s south east receive a welcome boost.
McDonalds restaurants in Melbourne’s outer south east have joined forces with the league for 2011 to foster the growth and development of junior community football within the league.
The league encompasses 24 clubs throughout the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and the Cardinia Shire.
A variety of activities and community programs that encourage the league’s 4,700 junior participants to lead a healthier, balanced lifestyle and learn the spirit of sportsmanship will result from the partnership.
The program will incorporate player, volunteer and umpire recognition awards to reward the league’s players, 200 umpires and 3000 weekly volunteers.
Players will also be involved in the McDonalds Junior Football Clinic, receive support for events like the Volunteer of the Year and Under 14s competition and development and promotion for the ‘School Work Sport Life’ initiative through a Managers’ Education Program.
McDonalds owner David Fowler said that through this partnership, McDonalds would be able to work with the league to offer many young footballers the stepping stone to play football on an elite sporting stage.
“South East Juniors is a community-minded junior football league with established links throughout the community, and reflects McDonalds ethos of encouraging participation in sport and celebrating the sportsmanship attributes that are the most important to families,” he said.
South East Juniors General Manager Shaun Connell said the league valued McDonalds as a strong community partner.
“The League looks forward to working with them closely through our development partnership and associated community initiatives,” he said.