England: Lidl active partnership with the FA in support of a programme for 5-11 year olds

Lidl UK, the British subsidiary of the German discount-chain stores, activated its partnership with the FA, concluded on 17/11/2015, by announcing a series of football sessions for over a million and a half children under the "FA Skills" programme, indicated the two parties on 22/03/2016.

"FA Skills" is a training programme for children aged 5-11 years old, of all levels, and has reached more than eight million participants since its inception in 2007.

"This is a fantastic initiative that allows Lidl to get involved in grassroots football, giving boys and girls the opportunity to immerse themselves in the game. Through the broad network of almost 500 stores across England we have access to so many communities and this partnership will allow us to build on that and give something back," said Ryan McDonnell, purchasing director at Lidl UK.

• On 17/11/2015, Lidl UK became a partner of the English and Scottish Football Associations until 2018.
  • The German company is also a partner of the Welsh and Italian Federations until 2018.