Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Year Two pupils shine at glow-in-the-dark football festival

Almost 200 Year Two pupils took part in Blackpool FC Community Trust’s glow-in-the-dark football festival last week.

Fit2Glow brought together 28 teams from primary schools across Blackpool for three days of football and unforgettable experiences from October 12-14.

A total of 196 children competed, with six teams earning the opportunity to feature in the grand final at the iconic Blackpool Tower Circus Arena on November 6.

Delivered by BFCCT, in partnership with the Blackpool Illuminations department 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.

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, BFCCT’s primary PE manager, 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 November 6.

“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.”