Bedford High Street restaurant McDonald’s has stepped up to support a local community initiative by sponsoring new equipment for young footballers.

Operations Manager Ali Smith and his team from the Bedford McDonald’s visited The Woolpack, run by The Salvation Army on Commercial Road, to present a bag of brand new footballs for local youngsters.  

Playing every week at The Woolpack multi-use-games-area, the boys and girls benefit from professional coaching as part of the  ‘Just Turn Up’ scheme run by Bedford Borough Council.  

“We are very proud to support such fantastic community projects like The Woolpack.  Our team of staff previously visited the centre to refurbish their notice board and now we are pleased to be back with some new equipment,” said Ali.  

I & A Restaurants, who hold the franchise for 10 McDonald’s including the High Street branch, are involved in a wide range of community initiatives such as litter picks around the town and this summer they will be refurbishing public benches along The Embankment.   

Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin and Bedford Borough Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland also attended the presentation.  Salvation Army Major Angie Bailey hosted the event.  

“The Woolpack Hub provides a place to meet and socialise in our cafe, plus we have a community meeting room and a multi-use-games-area.  This project was many years in the making and we are always grateful for local support,” added Major Angie Bailey.  

The Bedford Borough Council ‘Just Turn Up’ programme is a local project aimed at providing affordable activities for young people in Bedford.

Photo L-R 

Back row – Mohammad Yasin MP, Bedford Borough Cllr Sarah-Jayne Holland, Salvation Army Major Angie Bailey, McDonald's Business Manager Zap Hussain.

Middle Row – I&A Restaurants Operations Manager Ali Smith, McDonalds Assistant Manager Mandy Smith,  Football Coach Bruno Dos Santos Gracias with two young players from the ‘Just Turn Up’ scheme.