Ince Rose Bridge to host festival in memory of 15-year-old Layla Balenski
The Wigan rugby league community will come together on Saturday 5th July for a day of remembrance and celebration as Ince Rose Bridge Sports & Community Club hosts a special event in honour of Layla Balenski, the 15-year-old Pantheresses player whose recent passing has deeply moved the town.
Titled “Layla’s Festival” the day will feature a series of rugby matches, including a light-hearted parents vs players game and an exhibition match, alongside stalls, food vendors, family activities, and a dedicated remembrance space. It is designed to reflect Layla’s vibrant personality and her love for rugby, her friends, and her community.
“We want to honour Layla in a way that feels true to her — energetic, joyful and surrounded by the people who loved her,” a club spokesperson said. “This is more than a rugby day, it’s a community celebration of her life.”
Local businesses and community groups are being invited to get involved, with proceeds going to support Layla’s family and honour her memory.
Layla passed away peacefully on Sunday 15th June, just two days after her 15th birthday. She had fought bravely since sustaining a traumatic brain injury last October in a fall at home. That led to a stroke and months of surgery and rehabilitation, all supported by the community, and she finally came home in January. Her sudden passing left an outpouring of grief across the community, along with a huge wave of love.
Amongst the hundreds of tributes, these from her friends:
“Wow, my heart aches,” wrote Macey. “You had a heart of gold and a seriously beautiful face. From first becoming your friend to being inseparable for months… I’ll miss you always, girl. Forever 15, my queen.”
“You’ll forever be remembered as the queen and warrior you are,” shared Rebecca, while Nelly wrote:“I will never forget that gorgeous smile…. You’ve truly taken a piece of my heart up there with you tonight. You will always be our brightest star in that sky.”
Tributes too from the wider rugby league family, with clubs from across Wigan and beyond sending messages and making donations to a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Give Layla Balenski the Farewell She Deserves.” The fundraiser has already surpassed £5,000, helping to support Layla’s family.
In another show of love and support Ince Rose Bridge hosted a balloon release on Saturday 21st June, just after their match against Orrell. Supporters donated £1 per balloon, with messages written for Layla and released into the sky.
The Celebrate Layla event on Saturday 5th July is open to all. Whether you’re a member of the rugby community or simply someone touched by Layla’s story, everyone is welcome to show their support.
Anyone interested in hosting a stall, volunteering, or contributing in any way is encouraged to contact Ince Rose Bridge Sports & Community Club via their social media pages.
In the face of tragedy, once again, the community of Wigan has come together to show support, love and unity.
Event Details
Celebrate Layla Memorial Day
Saturday 5th July
Ince Rose Bridge Sports & Community Club
Rugby matches, stalls, food, children’s activities, remembrance space
Open to all — support welcomed from the whole Wigan community
GoFundMe
“Help Give Layla Balenski the Farewell She Deserves”
Fundraiser by Nicola irvine : Layla Balenski
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