Wardle Juniors FC put through their paces by Gary Neville, Gary Pallister, Martin Keown and Eric Harrison

Wardle Juniors FC attend a coaching masterclass hosted by FA Community Partner, McDonald's

Wardle Juniors FC attended a coaching masterclass hosted by Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Gary Pallister, McDonald’s Head of Coaching and former Manchester United Youth Coach, Eric Harrison and former England and Arsenal defender Martin Keown to celebrate the club's long term dedication to the local community and their continued club twinning partnership with local McDonald’s franchisee Gerald Thompson.

Gerald arranged for the club to attend the coaching masterclass alongside the four legends.

The youngsters from Wardle Juniors FC were put through their paces at Manchester based Hough End Griffins Juniors FC as they spent the morning enjoying a series of coaching sessions carried out by the ambassadors and club coaches.

Following the session, current England Coach, Gary Neville, said: “It is vital that from an early age youngsters learn the fundamental skills that they need to progress as footballers.

"Clubs like Wardle Juniors FC provide youngsters with the opportunity to learn and enjoy football thanks to the army of volunteers and qualified coaches that turn out each week.

"The quality of the young footballers that we have seen is a testament to their dedication and I cannot begin to praise them enough for their efforts.

“The support these clubs provide their local community is in turn reciprocated by that of the McDonald’s franchisees through the McDonald’s Club Twinning scheme.

"Grassroots clubs require a lot of high quality kit and equipment to provide the best possible coaching and it is through the McDonald’s Club Twining scheme that they can afford to supply the players with training equipment and kit to help them perform to the best of their ability.”

Following the coaching session with the FA Charter Standard club the legends posed for photos with the teams and signed autographs for the participants in the coaching session.

Richard Fielding, Wardle Juniors FC coach, commented: “Everyone in attendance has thoroughly enjoyed the day with Gary and the other legends.

"The masterclass was a lot of fun for the kids and the coaches have picked up some great tips from the ambassadors throughout the day.

"The support we receive from Gerald and McDonald’s is vital and the club is extremely grateful for his continued support and for the opportunity to attend events like this. It’s been a fantastic day for the club and one we’ll never forget.”

As The FA’s Community Partner and the nation’s biggest supporter of grassroots football over the last ten years, McDonald’s has supported over 400,000 volunteers, 6,700 grassroots clubs and created 30,000 qualified coaches to help improve standards at grassroots level throughout England.

McDonald’s franchisee, Gerald Thompson, added: “Wardle Juniors FC is a great football club dedicated to helping young players enjoy the game. It is my pleasure to be able to support such a community focused club and provide them with unforgettable experiences.

"Everyone has gained a lot from meeting the legends today. It is a perfect way to reward such a fantastic community club. ”