Cathedral delight at tangerine success - 22/5/2010

exChange @ Blackburn Cathedral, the award-winning community cohesion agency is delighted that Blackpool FC has won promotion to the premiership.

exChange works closely with football clubs in Lancashire to promote good relations across the range of national, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity in Lancashire, and this year has been the proud sponsor of young Blackburn-born, Louis Almond’s home shirt.

Commenting, Canon Chris Chivers said: “The victory at Wembley is great news for Blackpool FC, for the town and for the region. The economic impact not simply for the club but all-round cannot be under-estimated., This is just the kind of news that Lancashire needs as we emerge from one of the most difficult economic down-turns in our recent history. Where the failed casino-bid would have compounded Blackpool’s social problems this victory for the seasiders has a triple impact. It enhances pride in Blackpool and it creates opportunities for many businesses who will be delighted to receive the trade that results from premiership football. Saturday was a really good day for the region. It also of course brings top-flight football to a place where the greats like Stanley Matthews and Jimmy Armfield for so long entertained and inspired.

As a cathedral community we’re especially delighted for Jimmy Armfield, who is one of our lay canons and the organist of St Peter’s Church, Blackpool, that the club to which he’s given so much over his distinguished career is back where they belong.”
 

Louis Almond wearing the shirt sponsored by exChange @ Blackburn Cathedral