Kenny makes soccer tourney a goal-den day

Jun 4 2009 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

FOOTBALL legend Kenny Dalglish was at Hamilton’s Palace Grounds on Saturday for a football open day, hosted by the town’s McDonald’s franchise.

Over 300 children attended the fun-packed day, which was held in partnership with Hamilton Academicals Girls and Women’s FC.

Ex-striker Kenny was on hand to cast an eye over the county’s football talent, provide coaching advice and tips and sign autographs.

The free open day was part of McDonald’s long-running community football programme, aiming to help more people support football in the community either as players, supporters or coaches.

Kenny, who acts as McDonald’s head of Scottish Football, is remembered as one of the greatest players Scottish football produced, becoming a prolific goal-scorer for Celtic and Liverpool in the 1970s and 80s.

He also enjoyed success as a manger, taking Liverpool to the English First Division title three times before winning the Premiership with Blackburn Rovers in 1995.

He said: “We want to inspire everyone to get involved in football, from grassroots level and beyond.

“The open days are a fantastic starting point.

“As well as bringing the community together for a fun family day, we’re offering new skills and providing people with the opportunity to get involved. I’m attending open days across the country and I’ve been amazed at the enthusiasm shown.

“I think it’s great that we’re bringing the fun back into football and encouraging more people to enjoy the national game.”

The event was hosted by Jack Glen, who runs the McDonald’s restaurants in Hamilton. Jack has supported the McDonald’s community football programme since 2002 and has supported local football for many years, donating almost 80 bags of kit and equipment so local children can get the best out of the game.

He added: “Whether it was a youngster having their first kick of the ball or dad getting some coaching skills from the coaches on hand, there was something for everyone.

It was great that so many people came along to join in the fun and support Hamilton Academical Girls and Women’s FC.”

WINNING TEAM: above right, Carluke High’s girls team won the senior section during the festival and are pictured with Kenny Dalglish and other Lanark and Hamilton East MP Jimmy Hood MP, Michael McMahon, MSP for Hamilton North and Bellshill, and South Lanarkshire councillor Gerry Convery.niham040609footfest-2

INVOLVED: right, some of the appreciative crowd are pictured at Hamilton Palace Sports Ground niham040609footfest-1

OPEN DAY: Scotland’s women’s international Rhonda Jones poses with some of the primary pupils who took part.niham040609footfest-3

WINNING TOGETHER: participants at the football open day organised by fast food company McDonald’s.niham040609footfest-4

CUP MASCOT: Rebecca Cairney (11), a pupils at St Mary’s Primary in Hamilton, won the prize draw to star as a mascot for Scotland. Here, she is pictured with Kenny Dalglish.niham040609footfest-5

KING KENNY: the former Kop idol poses with girls from St Mary’s Primary, Hamilton.