Blackpool FC Community Trust’s spectacular glow-in-the-dark football festival, Fit2Glow, returned for 2026, bringing together 28 teams from primary schools across Blackpool for three days of football and unforgettable experiences. A total of 196 Year 2 pupils took part in the festival on the 12th, 13th, and 14th October, with six teams earning the opportunity to compete in the grand final at the iconic Blackpool Tower Circus Arena on 6th November.
Delivered by Blackpool FC Community Trust, and in partnership with Blackpool Illuminations Dept. and Blackpool Council, the event aims to inspire a love of football among young children by providing a fun, inclusive and exciting environment in which pupils of all abilities can participate, represent their schools and enjoy being active.
The qualifying heats took place in venues across the town. Each venue was transformed into a glowing football arena, with fluorescent pitch markings, brightly coloured bibs and glow-in-the-dark headbands and wristbands creating a unique setting for the young players.
With the lights dimmed and UV lighting illuminating the pitches, the children experienced football in a completely different way.
Following the qualifying heats, six teams secured their places in the grand final, which will take place on Friday 6 November at the world-famous Blackpool Tower Circus Arena. The final promises to be another memorable occasion, bringing together the successful schools for a unique football experience in one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.
Fit2Glow continues to demonstrate the importance of providing engaging sporting opportunities for primary school children, combining physical activity with creativity and a strong sense of community. By taking football beyond the traditional pitch format, the festival gives pupils the chance to create lasting memories while developing confidence, friendships and a passion for sport.
Simon Smith, Primary PE Manager at Blackpool FC Community Trust, said,
“Fit2Glow is a brilliant example of what we want to achieve through our work with primary schools. We want children to experience sport in a way that excites them, builds their confidence and makes them want to come back for more. Seeing 196 children getting involved, representing their schools and enjoying football in such a unique environment is exactly what events like this are all about.
“What makes Fit2Glow particularly special is that it offers something completely different from a normal school football competition. The atmosphere, the glowing pitches and the opportunity to play in the Tower Circus give the children an experience they are unlikely to forget. It’s about much more than the results; it’s about participation, enjoyment and creating positive memories through sport.
“We’re incredibly proud to work alongside our local schools to provide opportunities like this, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our six qualifying teams back for what promises to be a fantastic final on 6 November. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s heats such a success, and good luck to all six schools competing for the Fit2Glow 2026 title!”
