Youngsters from across the local borough featured in finals weekend at the club last month
Bolton Wanderers once again played host to the Bolton, Bury and District Football League finals last month courtesy of their partnership with the league itself.
Held at Macron Stadium and the club’s Eddie Davies Academy in Lostock over the weekend of May 9 and 10, over 400 players from across the county took part in the annual event which has now been taking place at the club for the past seven years.
With four exhibition games alongside 16 cup finals, the youngsters came from the BBDFL – a league which has grown from around 200 teams to the current total of 565 with 7,500 players, 1,200 coaches and 140 referees involved.
Speaking following the conclusion of the event, the club’s academy recruitment officer John Haworth praised everybody involved for yet another successful tournament.
“We at Bolton Wanderers were pleased to once again act as hosts for the cup finals of the Bolton, Bury and District cup finals,” he said. “Both days were a tremendous success and it was great to see players from as young as six years of age having a great time.
“They will have come away with memories that I am sure they will cherish for years to come.”
Gary Russell, General Secretary of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League echoed John’s sentiments, adding: “These finals were my first as the new secretary, and I was blown away by the efforts of everyone who figured in them.
“The incredible preparation and planning from both Bolton Wanderers and the League to make this happen, alongside the execution of two cup final days, resulted in a fantastic weekend of junior football.
“The playing surfaces both at Macron Stadium and the Academy were nothing short of outstanding, meaning our young footballers from under-7 to under-18 level enjoyed an experience they would never have had the opportunity to have if we didn't have the support of Bolton Wanderers.”
He continued: “The football on show was of an exceptional standard supported by excellent coaching and great support from parents and supporters alike, while the refereeing was outstanding and gives me great confidence as we look to grow and develop our league.
“It was an incredible two days and I felt privileged to be a part of it.”
Warren Barlow, Chairman of the BBDFL, concluded by saying, “I’d like to say a massive thank you to Bolton Wanderers for our continued partnership which culminated in the recent cup weekend.
“The staff on both days were superb and we cannot thank them enough – the players, referees, coaches and spectators all left with memories they will cherish for years.
“The signing of so many players at various ages who originated from this league shows that the partnership is bearing fruit, which will no doubt inspire the next generation of footballers for years to come.”
For more information on the Bolton, Bury and District Football League and their partnership with the club, please visit http://bbdfl.org.