Ex-NI stars 'Mac' locals' day!

Local families enjoyed free football coaching, games and mini tournaments and were given the opportunity to practice their skills on inflatable games areas.

Guests were also given the opportunity to display their skills in front of the former Northern Ireland greats and quiz them about their considerable footballing knowledge and experience.

Commenting on the event Pat Jennings, McDonalds Head of Northern Ireland Football said: "I was delighted to attend the McDonalds Football Open Day in Ballymena and it was very encouraging to see the level of interest there is for grassroots football in the Ballymena area.

"McDonalds is committed to providing more football for all and through events such as this we are able to pass on significant benefits for grassroots football throughout Northern Ireland.

The Open Day is being carried out in conjunction with McDonalds Ballymena Mini Soccer League, a local league that McDonalds Ballymena has supported for the last ten years.

Billy O'Flaherty, organiser of the McDonald's Ballymena Mini Soccer League commented: "The Open Day was a very enjoyable event and I'd like to thank McDonalds for providing a significant boost to grassroots football in the local area.

"It was also great to have Pat Jennings and Jim Magilton there on the day. I think some of our local coaches were more excited than the children about getting the opportunity to talk all things football with the pair."

Des Lamph, franchisee of McDonalds Ballymena added: "Our football festival was a great success and I'd like to thank Pat and Jim for attending and adding extra excitement to a fantastic day for the whole family.

"McDonalds Ballymena is very much part of the local community and we were thrilled to host an event where families from all over the greater Ballymena area and beyond were able to participate in a fun-filled day," he added.