Teams from Vital Energi and Parkinsons support community, Northern Lights, returned to the pitch last week to take part in our annual walking football tournament at Witton Park, Blackburn.
The tournament is in its third consecutive year, and once again, Northern Lights (NLPD) took home the trophy. NLPD A team took the top spot and Vital Energi Team C finished as runners-up.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, whether you played in the tournament, cheered from the sidelines, or took part in the raffle, which raised an amazing £426 for the charity.
Vital Energi’s Chairman, Gary Fielding, was at the tournament cheering from the sidelines.
“It was fantastic to see teams from Vital and Northern Lights take to the pitch for our third annual walking football tournament,” said Gary. “It was great to see the energy, camaraderie, and team spirit from both sides from start to finish.
“As part of our five-year sponsorship commitment, it’s fantastic to be able to support events like this, not just for the fun, but for the incredible charity behind it and raising awareness of Parkinson’s. Maybe next year, we’ll be celebrating with the trophy too!”
We’ve received lots of lovely messages from Northern Lights members which shows that this tournament is definitely a highlight of their year.
“Norman and I would like to thank Vital Energi for their hospitality as always, your support for our group is truly outstanding and is very much appreciated. Our lads love taking part in this tournament and look forward to it each year, the camaraderie that takes place within all teams is amazing they are made to feel so welcome,” said Mary Stead, Trustee of the charity whose husband Norman was diagnosed with Parkinsons 14 years ago.
Steve Ashworth, member of NLPD who helped establish the relationship with Vital Energi, said:
“I have to say it is an absolute pleasure to be involved with, and great to see all the guys catching up on the business and personal exploits from the previous 12 months. The respect shown by all, really is second to none…..long may that continue. In that regard, we are all thankful to Gary for allowing the game to take place. And so, another successful tournament has been celebrated, and we now look forward to the 2026 event.”
A special thank you to Asif Asvat who organised the teams and delivered a great speech at the beginning of the tournament.
“My highlight was definitely giving the opening speech to everyone at the start of the tournament and just seeing another successful, friendly tournament come together,” said Asif. “It was a great atmosphere all round!”
Based in the North West, NLPD is a self-funded, voluntary organisation which offers support and help to people with Parkinson’s disease - a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination – and brings people together by introducing them to the joys of walking football.
A great way to stay fit and potentially relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's, walking football also allows participants to learn new skills and make friends with those in a similar situation.
Find out more about NLPD by clicking here.
