North Hollywood Youth Wins Trip Of A Lifetime To FIFA World Cup In Brazil™ Thanks To McDonald's®

LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine-year-old Jacob, a North Hollywood resident, and Stonehurst Elementary student, has always dreamed about being on the pitch, and now, thanks to the McDonald's Player Escort program, his dream will become a reality.  Jacob has been selected as one of only 26 young soccer fans from across the nation to attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ and walk hand-in-hand with a U.S. Men's National Soccer Team player. 

Jacob, who was surprised with the news at a special announcement by Ronald McDonald, will attend the U.S. Men's National Team match against Portugal taking place in the City of Manaus on June 22^nd.   Additionally, as a player escort, he will also have the opportunity to give back to his local community by securing a $1,000 grant for a local soccer organization of his choice to be announced upon his return from Brazil.

"I can't believe I won! I can't wait to go to Brazil with my dad," said Jacob. "Walking out on the field with the U.S. National Team is something I will never forget."

"The Player Escort program is another way McDonald's supports its commitment to children's well-being, inspiring active play and celebrating kids' passion for soccer," said Clay Paschen, III, McDonald's owner/operator and president of the McDonald's Operators' Association of Southern California (MOASC).   

Globally, 1,408 children are chosen by McDonald's to serve as Player Escorts and support their country's players during the month-long tournament in Brazil, which starts June 12 and culminates with the championship match on July 13.

McDonald's Player Escort program began in 2002 at the FIFA World Cup™ in South Korea/Japan. Since that time, McDonald's has given more than 6,000 children from around the world the chance to lead a player into the stadium. Additionally, McDonald's has been a supporter of soccer at both the global and grassroots levels for more than 25 years. The company has served as an Official Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of the FIFA World Cup™ since the United States Tournament in 1994.

About McDonald's of Southern California
MOASC is comprised of more than 600 franchised and company-owned McDonald's restaurants in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Learn more at mcdonaldssocal.com and follow us on Twitter: @McDonalds_SoCal

About U.S. Soccer
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer is the non-for-profit, governing body of soccer in the United States and has helped chart the course for the game for more than 100 years. During this time, the Federation's mission statement has been clear and simple: to make soccer, in all its forms, a pre-eminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels. To that end, the sport's development and growth in the United States during the past 25 years has been nothing short of remarkable as U.S. Soccer's National Teams have continually succeeded on the world stage and, with the assistance of its members, the fan support and participation in the game continues to reach new heights. For more information, visit www.ussoccer.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jaime Botello
Porter Novelli
(310) 444-7020
[email protected]

Online Newsroom:
http://news.mcdonalds.com/US

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140523/91046

SOURCE Southern California McDonald’s