Richard Luscombe Social impact campaigner Xavier Wiggins will complete his incredible 92-day challenge – walking to all 92 English and Welsh League grounds – at Home Park this Saturday, 1 November.
Wiggins, 54, is believed to be the first person ever to walk to every league ground in the space of just 92 days, covering 2,000 miles – the equivalent of a marathon almost every day. The epic journey, Walk92, has served to shine a vital spotlight on the life-changing community work done by every single club charity across the leagues.
A call to the Green Army and local communities
The public is encouraged to attend Home Park from 3pm to cheer Xavier over the finish line, situated by the Jack Leslie statue, and help celebrate this momentous achievement.
Plymouth Argyle Legend Steve Davey will be in attendance for a special presentation, alongside Argyle mascot Pilgrim Pete who will be bringing some added fun and mischief. Both will be delighted to meet the community and pose for photos. Fans are encouraged to bring their flags and loudest voices to welcome Xavier home.
More than just a walk: A legacy for club charities
Xavier, the co-founder of Dons Local Action Group, started his journey in Swansea on Saturday, 2 August. Despite enduring all the elements of a British summer, he only took four rest days throughout the 92-day odyssey.
“I’m really excited to be nearing the finish not just to put my feet up but also to get started on the next phase of this project because the end of this walk is just the beginning,” says Xavier, who is using the walk to shine a light on the charitable work being done by every league club in England and Wales.
“I’ve seen kindness, community engagement and heartwarming stories, from awesome organisations. Every single club is working within and for its community. It’s the unseen side of the game which shows how football can be an amazing force for good.
“We have put a spotlight on that work, and we will keep it there, so people understand the importance of their club to their community.
The 2,000-mile walk has also raised funds and awareness for the many inspiring Football for Good initiatives including:
- Street Soccer Foundation – using football to help young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness find hope, housing, and purpose.
- Sport Local Action’s Sports Bank – helping remove financial barriers that stop young people playing sport.
Mark Lovell, Argyle Community Trust Chief Executive Officer, expressed his excitement to welcome Xavier and the team to Plymouth: “Everyone at Argyle is proud to celebrate the culmination of this incredible effort with Xavier, his family, friends, and team.
“As well as Xavier’s superb achievement, we are very grateful for the incredible job he has done raising awareness for the community work of club charities.
“Everyone at Argyle would like to congratulate Xavier and wish him all the very best for his future ventures.
Xavier added: “It’s been inspirational speaking to organisations that really care about the impact they are making. Football changes lives. Whether it’s addressing knife-crime, helping people back into work, or care for the elderly – I’ve seen its impact first-hand.
“I’m really excited about what comes next. I’m shattered, but the world needs to know about what these people are doing. I’m energised about continuing to share their stories.”
We look forward to welcoming as many of the community as possible on Saturday afternoon at the Jack Leslie statue. Bring your loudest voices, and Argyle flags to wave Xavier over the final finish line.
