Bolton Wanderers Community Trust's work celebrated on EFL Day of Action

All 72 clubs will take part in the EFL Community Day of Action, highlighting the worthwhile projects which impact on thousands of lives nationwide.

Phil Mason, head of the club’s charity arm, the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, outlined some of the many success stories across Bolton since it was formed just over 30 years ago.

“We currently have about 30 different programmes which engage with people from all parts of the community, young or old, and deal with issues across the board from education, inclusion, health or dealing with people who are disadvantaged in some way,” he said.

“The walking football project has been very successful and has helped keep some of the older members of the community active, involved with sport, and prevents some of the social isolation which can happen – particularly for older gentlemen.

“Our disability football programme ‘Every Player Counts’ has also gone really well. We were sponsored by the Wembley Trust and went down there to help launch it.

“We even got on Match of the Day last weekend, which is very rare for a League One club. Our women and girls’ football project have been using UV lights and playing in darkened rooms, which looks great and means people can enjoy themselves without necessarily worrying about identification or the body issues which can affect participation in some cases.”

The trust does run independently from the club and is funded largely through partnerships with local companies.

“We’re always on the lookout for businesses who could help us,” Mason explained. “Although we are supported by the football club we are not funded by it.

“Nevertheless, we fulfil the vision of Bolton Wanderers and engage with people, many of whom have been marginalised in some way or another.

“The goal isn’t to bring everyone to the stadium – although we do reward people with tickets who have done particularly well in our projects – it is more about enriching the town and the people within it.”