Colls Juniors Step Up for Inclusion, Facilities and Future Growth
Atherton Collieries Juniors volunteers, players and families will swap football boots for walking boots this weekend as they take on the challenge of climbing Rivington Pike to raise funds for the club’s growing community football programme.
On Saturday 13th June, managers, coaches, players and supporters from across the club’s age groups will come together for the “Hike the Pike” fundraising event, with all proceeds helping to support the continued development of Atherton Collieries Juniors and its facilities at Bee Fold Lane.
The challenge is expected to attract participants from across the club’s boys’, girls’ and development sections, reflecting the strong community spirit that has become synonymous with one of the area’s fastest-growing grassroots football clubs.
Atherton Collieries Juniors has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, increasing from around 350 players to more than 450 children and young people. The club now supports over 20 teams, engages more than 60 volunteers and provides football opportunities for boys and girls aged 4-21.
However, the club’s impact extends far beyond football.
Driven entirely by volunteers, Atherton Collieries Juniors has become a community hub that promotes physical activity, wellbeing, inclusion and personal development. Through initiatives such as Wildcats girls’ football, player development pathways, young referee and coaching programmes, and community projects, the club is helping young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and lifelong friendships.
The club is also preparing to launch Colls Comets, its new Pan-Disability Football Programme, which will provide opportunities for children with disabilities and additional needs to participate in football in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.
Club volunteers have already secured more than £160,000 of investment into grassroots sport and community infrastructure, delivering accessibility improvements, new equipment, environmental projects, biodiversity initiatives and facility enhancements at Bee Fold Lane.
Recent biodiversity work has included the planting of hundreds of native trees and hedgerows, helping improve local green spaces whilst creating a more sustainable environment for future generations.
A club spokesperson said:
“This walk represents everything that Atherton Collieries Juniors stands for. Community, inclusion, teamwork and opportunity. Every penny raised will help us continue improving our facilities, maintaining our pitches, investing in equipment and creating opportunities for children of all abilities to enjoy football.
We firmly believe there should be no barriers to participation. Whether a child wants to play for fun, develop their football, become a coach or referee, or simply be part of a positive community environment, we want Colls to be a place where everyone feels they belong.”
Supporters wishing to contribute to the fundraising effort can donate via the club’s Crowdfunder page:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWEdxGkl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink
For live updates, photos and videos from the walk, follow Atherton Collieries Youth FC on Facebook.
To learn more about Atherton Collieries Juniors and the club’s community programmes, visit:
https://linktr.ee/collsjnrs
