McDonald's will sponsor the English Football Association for the next four years, aiming 'to raise standards and increase participation across every aspect of English grassroots football.'

The company will pay almost US$17 million over the length of the contract, and plans to support 200,000 coaches and 400,000 volunteers through the McDonald's and FA networks. As the FA's Community Partner for the last eight years, McDonald's has helped drive the training and recruitment of over 10,000 community coaches and one in four of its restaurants backs a local soccer club.

"We are very proud of the work we have done with McDonald’s over the last eight years," said FA chief executive Ian Watmore. "Our joint achievement in recruiting and training over 10,000 coaches is tribute to the potent power of the partnership.

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"I am delighted we have secured McDonald’s support for another four years and am confident that the investment and focus on driving up standards in English grassroots football will have a positive impact on young players, the coaches, the parents and ultimately the national game as a whole," he added.

McDonald's chief executive Steve Easterbrook added: "We are excited to have committed to another four years in our partnership with The FA. It means we will directly support the clubs at the heart of our communities and the people who volunteer their time and energy to make the clubs safe, supportive and fun places for people to enjoy playing football."