October saw the launch of the first ever Fit2Glow Football Tournament held in Blackpool, delivered by Blackpool FC Community Trust in partnership with Blackpool Illuminations LightPool Festival.
The glow in the dark football tournament was a huge success with 231 participants enjoying this unique opportunity. There were 22 Blackpool primary schools competing in our free round robin tournament across three heats at three venues in Blackpool (Palatine Leisure Centre, Moor Park Leisure Centre and Blackpool Sports Centre) which were provided by Sport Blackpool.
Pitches and goals were marked out with special fluorescent tape and a total of 33 Year two teams were equipped with fluorescent bibs, headbands and wristbands ready for matches. The whole concept really came to life the moment the lights were switched off and the children, playing area and ball shone under the ultraviolet lights.
The winners of each heat gained a place at the Fit2Glow Final held at the prestigious Empress Ballroom at Blackpool Winter Gardens, as well as the schools receiving an educational Illuminations workshop. St Bernadette’s Primary School were the overall winners on the day with an unbeaten 5 wins out of 5. At the end of the tournament all competing finalists were presented with a Blackpool FC Community Trust medal. The winners, St Bernadette’s Primary School were rewarded by receiving the Fit2Glow trophy from Blackpool FC first team player Joe Bunney during the LightPool Festival extravaganza on the comedy carpet stage surrounded by the vibrant illuminated drummers Spark.