Blackpool FC Community Trust Chief Executive Ashley Hackett paid respect to the late great Jimmy Armfield.
Jimmy Armfield sadly passed away last Monday but will leave a lasting legacy in Blackpool. Ashley Hackett praised the impact Jimmy Armfield had on Blackpool FC Community Trust and himself as a person. Ashley said, “Jim has been a huge ambassador for the great work the Community Trust delivers over the years, with a particular interest of his being our Walking Football activities. Whenever Jim would attend an event for us, he would steal the show and no matter what the subject was, the attention would all follow him. Jimmy genuinely cared about Blackpool, the Club and the Community Trust and offered his support and opinion whenever it was needed and for that on behalf of the whole team and the Trustees, we will be forever grateful for his energy and enthusiasm. We must also take this opportunity to pass on our thoughts and prayers to the Armfield family in this very difficult time.”
It is somewhat fitting that this week will see the Community Trust announce news of a Sporting Memories programme aimed at engaging with older sports fans. These different groups across Blackpool will provide people with an opportunity to have fun and make new friends with like-minded people to share and discuss their own sporting memories, many of which will likely include Jimmy Armfield, along with other Blackpool FC legends such as Stanley Matthews, Jimmy Hampson, Stan Mortensen, Ray Charnley, just to name a few. These weekly groups will take place at different venues across Blackpool and refreshments will be made available. The cost to attend will be £1 which will contribute towards the ongoing sustainability of the session.
Linked to this is an additional program of work linked to older people which is being funded through The Royal British Legion and is specifically targeted at older veterans and their families/carers. Again, these groups will take place across Blackpool and will provide an informal opportunity for veterans aged 50+ to meet up and share their experiences, as well as take part in one off services-themed events linked to the Armed Forces. Again, the cost to attend will be £1 and refreshments will be provided.
For further information please contact the Trust on 01253 348691 or email office@bfcct.co.uk.
