Bolton is set to host an exciting walking football tournament on Saturday, 18 July 2026, an inclusive event designed to unite the community and promote fitness while raising vital funds for charity.
Participants can enter the tournament via the Let’s Keep Bolton Moving website at this link – https://letskeepboltonmoving.co.uk/walking-football/
This landmark tournament is organised in collaboration with Bolton Council’s Let’s Keep Bolton Moving initiative and will take place at two iconic venues: Bolton Arena and Leverhulme Park. With support from Bolton Wanderers in the Community, the event promises to be both exhilarating and impactful.
Ken Heathcote
The event builds on the inspiring and age-positive fundraising efforts of Bolton’s ‘forefather of fitness’ Ken Heathcote, who turns 91 on the day of the event, and who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the nominated charities over the last 50 years through a series of endurance feats.
The community cup event is named in memory of his wife, Brenda, who passed away in 2024 and was a key part in his charitable works over the decades. On the day of the event, Ken will swim 91 lengths non-stop at The Nuffield Hospital pool to raise additional donations on the day. Last year he swam 90 lengths as part of his NotOutat90 campaign, which raised over £20,000 for The Stroke Association, Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer’s UK.
Two Tournaments, One Fantastic Event
The tournament will feature two competitions kicking off from 9:00 AM on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
1. The Competitive Tournament: Hosted at Bolton Arena, this tournament invites established walking football teams to compete for the Bolton Walking Football Tournament Cup. Teams of five can enter for £500, with proceeds supporting vital charities. Every participant will receive a medal to mark the occasion, with the winning team lifting a large, illustrious trophy in recognition of their achievement.
2. The Brenda Heathcote Foundation Community Cup: Taking place at Leverhulme Park, this cup is designed for inclusive teams composed of families, community groups, friends, and colleagues. There is no cost for successful applicants, but teams must ideally include a mix of ages and genders and should not already play together in regular walking football leagues. As with the Competitive Tournament, every participant will receive a medal, and the winning team will be presented with a large, illustrious trophy to commemorate their victory. Registration is limited to 32 teams for both tournaments.
Registration Details
• Community or Family Teams: Places are free for eligible teams, thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors, whose £500 contributions directly fund community and family team entries. Registration is an expression of interest only and does not guarantee a place. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested teams should sign up promptly for the best chance of inclusion.
• Established Walking Football Teams: For competitive teams, the entry fee is £500 per team. As with community teams, this is also an expression of interest, and success will depend on available spots.
• Corporate Participation: Businesses can enter a team into either tournament or sponsor a Community or Family Team to take part at no cost to them. The entry or sponsorship fee is £500, which goes directly to the chosen charities. By sponsoring a community or family team, businesses play a direct role in making the event accessible to all – putting a team on the pitch that otherwise might not have the means to participate. Limited spots are available.
Ken Heathcote said: “Brenda always believed that sport should be for everyone, regardless of age, ability or background. The generosity of our corporate sponsors means that families and community groups can take part completely free of charge — because a business has stepped up to make it happen. That’s what this event is all about: Bolton people looking out for each other.”
Football as a Force for Unity
This tournament is more than just a game; it embodies the resilience and generosity that define Bolton. It aims to create a warm environment where individuals from all walks of life can come together, fostering community spirit and promoting health and well-being.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026
• Community Cup Venue: Leverhulme Park, Bolton
• Competitive Tournament Venue: Bolton Arena, Bolton
• Entry Fee for Competitive Teams: £500 per team (teams of five)
• Community Cup: Open to all community groups, families, and individuals
• Awards: Medals for all participants; large trophies presented to the winning teams of both tournaments
• Beneficiary Charities: Stroke Association, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and others
• Partners: Bolton Council (Keep Bolton Moving), Bolton Arena, Bolton Wanderers in the Community
Trophy and medal presentations for both tournaments will take place between approximately 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM.
Join us in this remarkable community celebration! For entry and further information, please visit the Let’s Keep Bolton Moving website at this link https://letskeepboltonmoving.co.uk/walking-football/
