An overview of the club's exploits in the local community throughout the month of October
A month which saw the arrival of Neil Lennon at the club as Wanderers’ new manager, October was also a busy period in and around the local community.
Having secured the accolade back in 2013 for the Wanderers Hearts and Goals project at the MBNA Northwest Football Awards, the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust’s efforts around Bolton were once again recognised as they were shortlisted once again, this time for their ‘Positive Chances’ initiative.
A project which works to raise the expectations and quality of life of young people in foster or residential care, it also helps youngsters to enjoy themselves and encourages learning outside of school.
Unfortunately narrowly missing out on the awards evening which was held the following month at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, the Trust have continued their hard work in the community and will be hoping to regain the award later this year.
As the month progressed, as did the support surrounding the club’s Community Ambassador Tony Kelly as he prepared to walk 50 miles for charity.
An event inspired by the former Bolton midfielder’s 50th birthday, Kelly raised over £4,000 which was split equally between the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, the Gary Parkinson Trust and the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
Starting out at 7am on Friday 24 October from his mother’s home in Huyton, he visited both Anfield and Goodison Park before making the journey to Bolton accompanied by Head of the Community Trust, Phil Mason and fellow employee Jayne Jackson.
Eventually completing his work on the morning of Saturday 25 October, Kelly was joined by former teammate John McGinlay at the Burnden Pie Shop as he completed the final leg of his journey to Macron Stadium for Wanderers’ home clash with Brentford.
A game itself which was also designated as the club’s annual fixture in support of the national Kick It Out campaign, both squads were given special shirts to wear during the warm-up while each manager wore a badge to mark their club’s support of the initiative.
Click on the video player below to watch back Tony Kelly's interview following his charity walk.