MATT Peet brought joy to Wigan as he guided them to the remarkable achievement of winning four trophies, though he recognized that this happiness could be fleeting.
He remained aware that many would quickly revert to the ‘relentless struggle’ of supporting those who are battling daily survival, managing bills, and coping with the difficulties arising from the cost of living crisis.
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As a result, his main goal is to enhance the Warriors’ footprint in the community they represent.
Recent data reveals a disturbing trend, with suicide rates in the Greater Manchester area soaring by over 50% from 2020 to 2022, and nearly a quarter of children living in poverty.
Therefore, while their achievements on the field—securing the Super League, World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, and League Leaders’ Shield—highlight Wigan’s competitive strength, addressing social issues is equally important for the coach.
Peet, who is up for the Coach of the Year award at tonight’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards as his team vies for another Team of the Year title, is deeply aware of the broader context.
He stated: “These challenges will certainly persist. I know and have interacted with individuals facing them.
“People in the community, including players, likely know someone close to them who is struggling during these tough times.
“The statistics concerning specific issues in Wigan—like the rising rates of suicide and child poverty, along with unemployment—are alarming.
“I’ve heard numerous stories, and such situations are becoming more prevalent. Previously, financial or housing hardships mostly impacted the unemployed.
“Now, even those with full-time jobs find it increasingly hard to make ends meet—this results in a multitude of related problems, including childcare issues, mental health challenges, and substance abuse.
“It’s a never-ending battle. We must remain grounded and acknowledge that some are facing hardships.
“We have the chance to use our platform to better the lives of others.
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“The real advantage of our success on the pitch is its ability to motivate more people—watching the team succeed allows them to savor the experience and resonate with meaningful moments, whether they are there live or watching from home.
“This fosters increased engagement and visibility. The players become more recognizable, providing them with the platform to inspire a wider audience.
“It also gives our club a sense of purpose. We can stand for something significant and drive change. Winning matches is thrilling and appreciated by everyone, but if we can pair that with making a positive difference in the town and its residents, we cultivate goodwill and inspire our players to participate in these initiatives—they derive true fulfillment from doing so.”
The latest effort from Wigan to assist its community was the Night Under The Lights event held last Tuesday, wherein over 900 attendees joined players to support local anti-poverty organizations The Brick and The Multibank, a project addressing hygiene poverty.
Peet highlighted that ongoing initiatives are in progress, though the journey is far from complete.
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He commented: “The club is proactively connecting with the community through various initiatives. I know that talks with the council and our board are ongoing.
“The players are involved in numerous activities with The Brick, local homeless support groups, Wigan and Leigh Hospice, schools, and community clubs.
“Our community foundation team is growing increasingly strong, and we aim to enhance this aspect.
“This mission will never wholly conclude, but it is a central focus for the club to engage and connect with not only our supporters but also all residents of the town.”
