Bolton Wanderers Community Trust organised a successful day of activities earlier in the week as the Reebok Stadium played host to two football matches where three Premier League points weren't at stake.

On Tuesday morning, Wanderers took on their Manchester United counterparts in a contest made up of participants from each club's Men's Health project - a venture funded by both the Premier League and Littlewoods Pools.

The initiative was launched last season and specifically aims to help local males lead more fit and healthy lifestyles by using the attraction of the football club. The purpose is to engage those between the ages of 18 and 35 that may be unemployed, are ex-offenders, have low income or are young parents and single parents.

Unfortunately for the Bolton Wanderers side, they were narrowly beaten 3-1.



Community Trust Manager Ian Laithwaite said: "We've had a match like this a few times now and the lads are mingling together quite well.

"It's a nice positive experience for them and it's a reward for those who come to our meetings and get togethers on a regular basis. We felt that it was a nice thing to do mark the end of the first year of the project.

"Now we will look to expand the initiative and education programme next season."

Later that day, a team of lucky supporters took on a Wanderers celebrity XI which included local boxing hero Amir Khan and former winger David Lee in a match aimed at raising vital funds for the Community Trust.



The charity had been selling raffle tickets to fans on home matchdays with the winners having the opportunity to play on the hallowed Reebok Stadium turf.

Fans Liaison Officer Tony Kelly took on the role as manager for the supporters' team, which slipped to a 4-3 defeat in an end-to-end contest.

Ian Laithwaite added: "It was a brilliant day, one which has helped us raise some important money for the charity.

"I'm delighted that Amir was able to turn up, along with his family, and recognise us as a local charity. The fans who played got their chance of getting 90 minutes on the Reebok and above everything else everyone seemed to enjoy the day."