YOUNG footballers from Rosario YFC were treated to an action-packed coaching masterclass by Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager Tanya Oxtoby and striker Emily Wilson as part of M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Well campaign in partnership with the Irish FA.
Tanya and Emily put the young players through their paces, delivering a session packed with high-energy drills and tips to help develop their skills after they won a coaching session with members of the Northern Ireland senior international women’s team.
As part of the experience the Rosario YFC players enjoyed a Q&A session with Tanya and Emily, hosted by Cool FM’s Pete Snodden, where they had the chance to ask their footballing heroes about international football.
It also included a guided tour of the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, where the young footballers got a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic home of the Northern Ireland senior men’s and women’s teams.
The exclusive coaching masterclass was part of M&S Food’s Eat Well, Play Well campaign in partnership with the Irish FA that uses the power of football to inspire young people and their families to make healthier food choices and lead active lifestyles.
The campaign links the eating habits of Northern Ireland’s footballing heroes to how they play, promoting positive healthy eating messages for kids in a way that’s engaging, relatable and drives change.
Tanya Oxtoby and Emily Wilson with Rosario YFC players
Tracey Darragh, Parent and Coach at Rosario YFC, said: “Our young players have been absolutely buzzing since they found out we’d won this amazing opportunity. From the moment we shared the news, it’s all they’ve talked about, and they couldn’t wait to get on the pitch with the Northern Ireland stars.
“The coaching session was incredible and watching the kids get stuck into the drills and learn from Tanya and Emily was fantastic. The Q&A with Pete Snodden gave them the chance to ask their heroes questions directly, and the tour of the National Stadium at Windsor Park was brilliant. We’re so grateful to M&S Food and the Irish FA for this unforgettable day – our kids will be talking about it for years!”
Ryan Lemon, Regional Manager for Northern Ireland at Marks and Spencer, said: “We’re thrilled to be here with Rosario YFC 2016s as part of our Eat Well, Play Well campaign in partnership with the Irish FA. The players not only have the opportunity to receive coaching from Tanya Oxtoby, manager of the Northern Ireland women’s national team, but they also get to tour the iconic National Stadium at Windsor Park.
“Our Eat Well, Play Well campaign is all about helping young players understand that healthy food choices can have a big impact both on and off the pitch. It’s an unforgettable experience, and we hope that what they take away from today will inspire them to continue making smart choices, both in their love for football and in their everyday lives.”
Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland Women’s manager, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to spend time with Rosario YFC today as part of the Eat Well, Play Well campaign in partnership with M&S Food and the Irish FA. These young players have real ability, and you can clearly see their love for the game in the way they actively participated in the coaching session and smiled throughout.
“It’s fantastic to witness their passion for football, but today’s message is about more than just what happens on the pitch – it’s also about developing healthy habits off it. By focusing on making smarter food choices these players are setting themselves up for success both in their football journey and in their everyday lives.”
For more information on the M&S FoodEat Well, Play Well campaign visit: www.marksandspencer.com/football
Rosario YFC players Joshua, Finn and Seth
