Joe On The Ball With Mcdonald's!

Primary schools in East London received a major boost last week when 500 footballs were presented to them by McDonald's and Joe Cole in time for the end of season run-in.

Pictured are children from St Edwards Primary School football team receiving the first delivery of new footballs from Joe Cole. 

FA community partner McDonald's pledged to donate 500 footballs for every goal scored by England in their recent friendly at Upton Park to primary schools in East London. 

Francis Jeffers' goal against Australia has put primary schools across the Capital's East End on the ball, with 500 footballs being donated to 50 schools in the area. 

McDonald's major objective, through its partnership with The FA, is to train and recruit 8,000 new qualified community based football coaches and deliver millions more hours of football coaching to primary school youngsters over the next four years.

The McDonald's mission is spearheaded by the Company's Director of Football and West Ham United legend, Sir Geoff Hurst, and its National Football Coach, Eric Harrison.

Joe Cole said "I was delighted to accept delivery of the 500 footballs donated by McDonald's for kids in the community. It was a magnificent gesture by McDonald's and the footballs will benefit many schools and junior clubs who are often struggling for facilities of this kind.

"On behalf of West Ham United I'd personally like to thank McDonald's and of course Francis Jeffers for scoring the England goal. A pity it wasn't a hat-trick!"