Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Paying our respects this week

This included us laying a wreath at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum in Moor Park, where we maintain a part of the site which recognises the six Blackpool FC footballers who were killed in the Great War.

We also worked closely with the football club to develop a video and share experiences with the players to lay a wreath on the pitch, which was then shown to both sets of players before our EFL Trophy game against Leeds United’s youngsters on Wednesday, November 11.

This was all done because, in normal circumstances, we deliver a full service on the appropriate home game nearest to the 11th which, for obvious reasons, we could not do behind closed doors this year.

We also delivered a memorial session at the Arboretum on Wednesday, for local vets to link in, virtually, and take part in a session of respect.

I hope that our presentations allowed us to still display our gratitude and respect.

This was all done as part of our provision dedicated to local veterans and servicemen to engage in community activity, to reduce social isolation, engage in positive activity and also now our Vets Football – which we hope we can restart in early December – while delivering virtual social groups in November, to keep everyone in touch.

This week also sees the annual Children in Need event, who support us greatly with funding to deliver a host of community physical activity sessions for early years children (aged three to six) and also our disability programme, which delivers sports activities in local special schools and also allows us to develop and deliver community-based sports clubs for children living with disabilities.

I thought it was important to raise this, as it would be great if people can support in any way and know some part of that is helping local Blackpool children.

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