Greater Manchester

Bolton Wanderers Hosts Football Freestyler to Support Mental Health

By

Karen McGinn
20 February 2026, 11:13 am

Bolton Wanderers FC will host professional football freestyler Jay Rosa at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on February 21, 2026. The event takes place during the home match against Blackpool and combines live skills demonstrations with a mission to raise awareness for mental health across the local community.

Fans can watch Rosa perform at the Leasing Options Fanzone at 12:45 PM before he moves to the club’s Wellbeing Hub at 1:45 PM. He is also set to deliver a pitchside performance during the half-time break alongside the club mascot, Lofty the Lion.

The appearance is part of a nationwide tour to visit all 116 professional football stadiums in England to encourage open conversations about mental health. The initiative supports Mind Charity and aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues among football supporters.

Former club defender David Wheater will also be a special guest at the Indoor Fan Zone during the matchday. His presence adds to the community-focused activities planned for the afternoon for families and supporters.

The event also highlights local support services like Team Talk, which is a free weekly mental health session for men held at the stadium every Monday evening. This programme is run by Bolton Wanderers in the Community to help residents find a safe space to talk and get support.

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