September has been a busy month at Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT), with new academic beginnings, opportunities to get active, cancer awareness campaigns and achievements across our programmes. Here’s what we’ve been up to across the Fylde Coast.
We started the month with our annual Staff Day on 1 September, bringing our team together to celebrate achievements, recognise colleagues and reflect on the year ahead. Alongside collaborative activities and staff recognition, there was time to enjoy interactive darts, laser tag, escape rooms, pool and a team bowling competition.
The following week, we welcomed new students to Blackpool FC Sports College for our annual Induction Week. Sports sessions, classroom activities and in-house fixtures at Stanley Park helped students settle in, meet their classmates and prepare for the year ahead.
September also saw the return of our FA Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre (ETC), with new and returning players attending our induction evening ahead of the new season. Now entering its fifth season, the ETC continues to provide opportunities for talented young footballers on the Fylde Coast to develop their skills and pursue their ambitions. Blackpool FC Ladies also held their annual photoshoot at Bloomfield Road, bringing together players from across the club’s open-age teams.
Health and wellbeing remained a key focus throughout the month. At Blackpool FC’s home fixture against Bromley FC, we supported Prostate Cancer UK by distributing information leaflets and displaying awareness messages on the stadium’s big screen, highlighting the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking advice early.
We also welcomed clinicians from Lancashire’s teaching hospital to Bloomfield Road as they cycled to raise funds for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and promote our Versus Cancer Prehab & Rehab sessions. Our Macmillan Coffee Morning provided another opportunity to bring people together, share information about cancer signs and symptoms and raise funds for a worthwhile cause.
Our Move More programme continued to support local physical activity opportunities, including Victoria Hospital Walking Club, which has brought people together through walking for more than 40 years. By supporting the group’s sustainability, we aim to help more people benefit from regular activity and social connection.
We also took Get FIT Keep FIT outdoors for the first time, hosting a session at Anchorsholme Park. New and existing participants came together to exercise in the open air, providing a different setting for people to enjoy physical activity and improve their fitness.
Our Women’s Recreational Football participants enjoyed a trip to Bloomfield Road to watch Blackpool FC take on Bromley FC. Delivered in partnership with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the programme helps women become more active through football in a friendly environment. The group were treated to a hospitality experience in recognition of their commitment, celebrating the friendships and connections built through taking part in Active Through Football.
At BFC School, students visited ITC Kickboxing to explore the importance of discipline, hard work and physical fitness. The session offered a chance to try something new while developing skills that can support their personal growth.
We were also proud to see BFC School and Blackpool Police recognised at the West Divisional Awards Evening for their work on Operation Babylon. The programme uses immersive, real-world experiences to help vulnerable young people understand the dangers of knife crime, exploitation and county lines, while building confidence, resilience and positive relationships.
September also gave us an opportunity to share the impact of our work directly with others. We showcased a video featuring parents discussing their experiences of BFC School, before former student Tio joined Mr Whittle on stage to talk about his journey and how the school helped him gain the confidence to follow his dreams. We thank the parents and young people who shared their stories, alongside our school team for the support they provide.
Thanks to a generous ticket donation from Blackpool Supporters’ Trust (BST), local young people and members of our Armed Forces community were also able to attend Blackpool FC home fixtures throughout September, creating opportunities to experience matchdays at Bloomfield Road.
From welcoming students and supporting young footballers to improving access to physical activity and raising awareness of important health issues, September has highlighted the range of work taking place across BFCCT.
Thank you to our staff, participants, partners, volunteers and supporters for helping us continue to make a difference across the Fylde Coast.
