Clyde Valley Blackhawks, who play their home games at the town's Belhaven Park, will be getting on their bikes for a 24 hour ‘cycle’ to Lapland while raising funds for Wishaw’s Pathway Church toy drive to help children across the region.
06:50, 17 Nov 2025
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Clyde Valley Blackhawks(Image: WSH])
American football players will be swapping their pads for pedals later this month as they take part in a Christmas cycling challenge in aid of a Wishaw church’s festive toy drive.
Clyde Valley Blackhawks, who play their home games at the town's Belhaven Park, will be getting on their bikes for a 24 hour ‘cycle’ to Lapland while raising funds for Wishaw’s Pathway Church toy drive to help children across the region.
The challenge starts at 7pm on Friday, November 28, and ends at 7pm the following evening with Christmas music and costumes featuring throughout.
Blackhawks club secretary Matt McIntyre said: “We are proud to represent Wishaw and the broader Clyde Valley region in the national BAFA American Football leagues, and are currently preparing for our renewed campaign during the upcoming 2026 season.
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“This year, Pathway Church estimates that up to 500 local families will experience hardship and struggle to provide that festive experience for their children come Christmas time.
“As such, they are collecting donations of toys which can be distributed to families who will benefit most from this making sure that Santa can make the trip to as many homes as possible.
“We at the Blackhawks couldn’t see this amazing cause and simply do nothing. As such, we will be encouraging and collecting donations of toys by completing a 1430 mile cycle from our very own pavilion building- the distance from Wishaw to Lapland ‘as the sleigh flies’.
“Across 24 hours, players, coaches, family and friends will be continuously cycling on exercise bikes to rack up the mileage, and hopefully the donations to go with!
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“This will not be any mean feat, and we are hoping that we can make a real difference to the local community through our efforts.
“As a team we are increasingly passionate about our role in the community, and how we can give back for years of support.”
The Blackhawks have set up a GoFundMe page in bid to raise vital funds for their worthy cause.
Matt added: “We’re collecting toys, games, and festive cheer - which are our top priority - but any cash donations raised will go directly towards buying extra toys to make an even bigger impact.
“By donating, you’re helping ensure that families in our community can wake up to joy and hope this Christmas. Every contribution counts - together, we can make this holiday season brighter for those who need it most.”
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