Three rising soccer stars from the Far North Coast have been selected from 35,000 junior players across Northern NSW to receive a ‘McDonald’s Northern NSW Soccer Grant.’ David Campbell aged 14 from Bangalow, Shani Lauf aged 15 from Federal and Tye McDonald aged 15 from Lennox Head, were each presented with a cheque for $500 by local McDonald’s owner/operator Jim Moffitt and Northern NSW Soccer in Lismore this morning. The funds will be used to help further their training and development in the sport. “We are so thrilled to award these grants to David, Shani and Tye,” said Jim. “They are outstanding young players and we hope that this $500 will give them the boost they need to really make the most of the potential they so obviously have,” he added.

According to Matt Kelso, General Manager of Football Far North Coast, they are very worthy recipients. “All three players have consistently displayed a passion for the game and dedication to training. I know that they each have a bright sporting future ahead and this grant will certainly help them along the way,” he said. McDonald’s and Northern NSW soccer grants have helped dozens of junior players realise their sporting dreams. Rising Young Matildas player, Jenna Tristram, was one of the first grant winners when she captured the eye of development officers back in 2004.

“The McDonald’s soccer grant really helped me out with training, equipment and transport. With a little help from McDonald’s and encouragement from Northern NSW Soccer I have been able to achieve so many of my goals,” said Jenna. These soccer grants form part of an $85,000 sponsorship between McDonald’s and the Northern NSW Soccer Federation, now in its third year. The agreement also includes the support of more than 260 clubs in the Northern NSW Soccer Federation as well as the McDonald’s Schools Program, which focuses on the important role that exercise and basic nutritional information play in junior development.

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