Tom Flower pitch opened at Wigan Youth Zone

Wigan Youth Zone unveil plaque in memory of Tom Flower
The Tom Flower pitch will support young people to access football activities at Wigan Youth Zone
The first annual Tom Flower Cup was also held to celebrate Tom’s legacy

This week, Wigan Youth Zone unveiled a commemorative plaque on one of their multi-use game area pitches in dedication to Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s former Head of Community, Tom Flower.

Tom, who sadly passed away in December 2022, served as Head of Community for 11 years, tirelessly working to tackle inequalities across the Wigan Borough and beyond.

During his time as Head of Community Tom forged a strong partnership with the team at Wigan Youth Zone, helping to leverage funding for the creation of the outside pitches at the youth zone and ensuring that whenever possible, the two organisations worked side-by-side to support as many young people as they could.

Representatives from Wigan Youth Zone, Wigan Athletic Community Trust, Wigan Council, the Premier League Charitable Fund, Groundworks and many other local organisations joined together at the pitch opening to celebrate Tom’s legacy, with the plaque unveiling conducted by Wigan Athletic Community Trust Head of Community, Gareth Nolan, Wigan Youth Zone’s CEO Anthony Ashworth-Steen and Wigan Athletic first-team player Josh Stones.

In addition to the plaque unveiling, the first annual Tom Flower Cup was also held, featuring PL Kicks teams from across the Northwest coming together for a highlight competitive tournament. Teams from Manchester City in the Community, Stoke City Community Trust, Preston North End Community and Education Trust, Bolton Wanders in the Community and a Wigan Athletic Community Trust side all took part, with the Latics team becoming the inaugural champions of the Tom Flower Cup.

Anthony Ashworth-Steen, CEO of Wigan Youth Zone, said, “The dedication of a pitch in Tom’s name feels not only fitting but essential, given Tom's remarkable contributions to our organisation and the wider community. Having had the pleasure of working alongside Tom over the years, I can attest that his leadership, passion and unwavering dedication were nothing short of inspiring. This tournament and plaque unveiling are not just gestures of remembrance; they are a testament to Tom's enduring legacy and the lasting impact he had on all of us at Wigan Youth Zone.

Naming a pitch after Tom here at the Youth Zone will be a constant reminder of everything that Tom did for our charity when we was with us and also celebrates the ongoing partnership of our two organisations, which Tom laid the foundations for.

Tom was a partner, an advocate, a supporter and a friend of Wigan Youth Zone and his loss was mourned by the team who remember him fondly. He will always occupy a special place in our hearts.”

Rachel Wood, Youth Engagement Manager at Wigan Athletic Community Trust, said: “This event and plaque unveiling is a huge opportunity to celebrate Tom's legacy and his passion for helping the Community Trust, Wigan Youth Zone and the young people in the borough and beyond. He loved and thrived on the partnership between the two charities, and it’s just continuing his legacy. The Tom Flower Cup will also become an annual tournament here at the Youth Zone so we can continue to celebrate Tom's legacy in the years to come."

Community | Wigan Youth Zone rename pitch in memory of former Head of Community Tom Flower