Trust: Richard Johnson, Jimmy Gilligan & Watford’s Under-18s To Take On The Taylor Trek

Richard Johnson and Jimmy Gilligan, former Watford FC players and current Academy Director and Head of Technical Development respectively, have joined the Watford FC Academy’s Under-18s squad in committing to take part in The Taylor Trek next month (Sunday October 15).

This will be the second year running that the Under-18s have taken part, with the team having started their 2023/24 season impressively under the coaching of Tom Cleverley and Armand Kavaja. The Taylor Trek is a charity walk around Watford and the surrounding areas, and is sponsored by Mercer & Hole.

The fundraising event was put together by the club’s official charity - Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust - alongside their patrons, the Taylor family, to help raise vital funds for the Trust to continue its work in the community.

Following a successful first year, in which 100 per cent of participants said the experience was excellent or good, this unique event will bring together Watford FC fans, legends, supporters, Trust beneficiaries and families on Sunday October 15.

There are three routes available, with varying lengths. All have been devised with the support of Watford Museum, and will pass the key sites of Graham Taylor’s Hornets history. These routes are:

• Family Route – 3.3 miles
  
• Medium Route – 8.3 miles
  
• Challenge Route – 18 miles
  

All routes start at the Graham Taylor statue outside the Hornets Shop at Vicarage Road Stadium, met with a cheer from our staff and volunteers. Although they may set off on different paths, all routes then finish with a pitch-side walk back at the home of the Hornets, before participants collect their medals from the Taylor Family.

You can join the Academy and sign up today HERE.

There’s been an increase in interest from last year already, with several Watford FC supporters, beneficiaries of the Trust’s many community projects and staff members all registered to take part in what promises to be a true community event. If you’d like to read more information and sign up to take part, click HERE.

To keep up to date with all things Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust, search @WFCTrust on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube - or visit www.watfordfccsetrust.com.