Published Wednesday 8 September 2021 at 12:23
Thursday night football was more than a kick-about recently when the Blackburn with Darwen Mayor and Mayoress were in attendance.
New £1.3m 3G pitches were opened in September 2019 and are a resounding success for community football – of all ages.
When initially constructed, the Football Foundation expected only junior football on the pitches to aid community football development. But with a few men’s teams already established, who played not only for the love of the game, but for fitness and mental wellbeing, BwD council stepped in to persuade the Foundation to consider this community of players.
The Thursday Night Football Club (TTNFC) have been playing informally at Witton Park for 10 years, with teams of sons, brothers and dads and an age range from 15 to 60. The lads even provide their own TTNFC kits and tracksuits, with Thursday nights the highlight of the week when they get together to play.
Every five weeks TTNFC pick teams to play in a mini tournament, and this week the Mayor and Mayoress attended the grand final, presenting Man of the Match prize to Tom Bergerac and a large trophy to the winners.
The club made a donation to the Mayor’s charity, East Lancashire Scouts, in appreciation of the BwD Mayor and Mayoress taking time to present the prizes.
Blackburn with Darwen Mayor, Cllr Derek Hardman said:
“It was a great evening and a pleasure to attend. It is lovely to see so many men doing something they love while staying fit and enjoying themselves.”
A wonderful evening of community celebration for all the teams that play each week, aiding the group’s health and social wellbeing, as well as promoting inclusive community spirit in the Borough.
For more ways to be active in our borough Be Active | re:fresh (refreshbwd.com)