BWitC Shortlisted for Two Awards at Northwest Football Awards 2025

For the second year running Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC) have been announced as finalists for two awards at the Northwest Football Awards 2025. The charity have been shortlisted for Community Club of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) and Community Initiative of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) for our Working Wanderers programme at this year’s awards ceremony on Monday 3rd November .

Having Working Wanderers shortlisted for Community Initiative of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) shows the importance of the programme in supporting young people across Bolton. The Working Wanderers programme aims to help ‘NEET’ 16-25 year olds across Bolton into education, employment or training. Supporting young people to improve their confidence, teamwork, leadership and communication skills while providing them with employability support. This programme is a key example of how our team work to create sustainable pathways that transform lives.

Being shortlisted for Community Club of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) is truely a recognition of the work our charity does to improve lives across all age groups, tackle local challenges, and generate meaningful social value across Bolton. The Premier League Kicks programme offers free football and life skills sessions, with tailored options for girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and disabled participants. Whilst our Digital Skills Hub provides vital opportunities for residents to connect with peers and local services, providing laptops to ensure everyone has access to these services.

For older residents, the Warm Spaces and Extra Time Hub projects have been provided those in our community likely to face isolation with friendship, structure, and purpose at a time when isolation is a national crisis. Meanwhile, our inclusive sport programme in partnership with Panathalon has supported young people across Bolton with SEND to form new connections and try new activities to build self-confidence.

Ben Lawton, CEO of Bolton Wanderers in the Community reflects on the nominations, ‘It is an honour to once again be finalists for two awards at the Northwest Football Awards 2025. Guided by our three-year strategy, aligned with Bolton’s biggest challenges, deprivation, unemployment, and health inequalities our team have lived and breathed the One Club. One Community. One Town. As we look forward to the launch of our new strategic plan and these awards help us to celebrate and reflect as we move forward and continue supporting our town”

To see the full list of Nominees head to Northwest Football Awards 2025