Shop our Official Walking Football® range — the UK’s only trademarked brandShop Now →As an Amazon Associate, Walking Football Limited earns from qualifying purchases.

Former Wanderers are reuniting to support walking football in the local community and raise money for worthy causes.

Club ambassador John McGinlay and former manager Keith Hill were among those who dusted off their boots to take part in a training session at Active Bolton Arena on Thursday evening.

It was a taster for a tournament that is taking place at the same venue on Sunday, September 20 with 32 teams competing.

Backed by Bolton Wanderers in the Community and the council’s Keep Bolton Moving initiative, it will raise funds for the Stroke Association, Cancer Research and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The event has been inspired by local legend Ken Heathcote, known as the father of fitness, who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity over more than six decades.

At 90 years of age, he is showing no sign of slowing down in his efforts to raise funds and help the community.

“I’m in the middle of a charity which started when I turned 90, called Not Out at 90. I knew there was something out there that we could develop but I didn’t know what it was,” Ken told The Bolton News.

“One of the guys in the team, Phil Davis, told me about a football tournament where they raised 20-odd grand.

“But I couldn’t see it being an ordinary tournament, I wanted to do something for the older people and particularly people who are not necessarily on high incomes.

“We’ve come to the conclusion very quickly that it’s not just about football, it’s about mental health. It’s about people getting out off the couch and using their time better.

“We saw it as more than just a game of football. In fact, football probably comes about third in the list of the benefits to people in their 70s and 80s.”

Club ambassador John McGinlay and former manager Keith Hill were among those who dusted off their boots to take part in a training session at Active Bolton Arena on Thursday evening.
It was a taster for a tournament that is taking place at the same venue on Sunday, September 20 with 32 teams competing.
Backed by Bolton Wanderers in the Community and the council’s Keep Bolton Moving initiative, it will raise funds for the Stroke Association, Cancer Research and the Alzheimer’s Society. — Pic credit: NQNW

McGinlay has already signed up for the tournament in a few months, and Ken is hoping to have more Wanderers royalty in attendance.

“I have spoken to Peter Reid and he wants to get involved. He’s talked to Sam (Allardyce) and Sam wants to get involved,” he added.

“Hopefully, when we do the tournament in September, we can get a lot of people who can make it. I know Jimmy Phillips is going to come.

“I’ve been working with local authorities on Let’s Keep Bolton Moving for the last 12 months and I’ve done a lot of talks with various groups in the mental health department.

“I’m a real big believer that if we can do something that mixes the former stars of football, I think people will come out of the woodwork to play. In fact, I am sure of it after tonight.”

McGinlay does plenty of work with the community through his role at the club, and it was a no-brainer to come along and put on a Bolton shirt again.

“It’s a worthy cause. Ken Heathcote, what a man he is. It’s a pleasure to come down and get involved and I think you can see by the attitude of all the boys who were here, they just wanted to make it a good event,” he said.

“It was a great night and everybody got involved, enjoyed it and played with a smile on their face.

“The former players who were down here tonight – Keith Hill, Matty Bowman and Marcus Hallows and a few couldn’t make it but will be here for the next event.

“We try to support everything we possibly can in the community because that is the way it should be. It puts smiles on faces, it helps, so the boys are more than happy to get involved.”

Hill was also full of praise for the event and Ken’s amazing achievements for charity over the decades.

“I love every type of football – whether it’s grass roots, walking football, over-50s – and it was for a great cause,” he added.

“I see Ken Heathcote every day at the gym and he’s an inspiration, a legend within Bolton. I got the invite to come down and do a little bit for charity.

“Anything that concerns mental health, Alzheimer’s etc. needs highlighting and it needs to be talked about.

“What’s great about Ken is he keeps everybody active mentally and physically, and that’s where walking football is brilliant.

“Irrespective of your age, you shouldn’t be sat at home thinking too deeply of your problems. You have got to get out in the community and communicate, and there is so much you can do.

“Ken helps a lot of people and it’s brilliant to have activities like this, especially at Bolton Arena. John McGinlay is an absolute legend of the football club, so it’s been brilliant.”

Source: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/26230399.ex-bolton-wanderers-stars-try-walking-football-charity/

Enjoyed this article? Visit our Official Walking Football® Shop — merch, gifts & more Shop Now →As an Amazon Associate, Walking Football Limited earns from qualifying purchases.