Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust (Trust) is preparing to go further than ever before this September, with some staff and trustees taking on an epic challenge in celebration of Graham Taylor OBE and the fifth anniversary of The Taylor Trek.
The Taylor Trek Extreme will see the team collectively walk more than 270 miles, connecting the five clubs Graham Taylor OBE managed during his remarkable career.
Taking place across twelve trekking days from Wednesday 23rd September to Sunday 4th October 2026, the challenge will begin at Lincoln City, before travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, and Wembley Stadium, before finally returning home to Watford, in time for the last leg of the journey – the fifth annual Taylor Trek in Watford.
The challenge will celebrate the people, places, and clubs that formed part of Graham’s extraordinary story, while encouraging supporters to join the journey by signing up for The Taylor Trek on Sunday 4th October. Both the Extreme and original Trek are kindly sponsored by Mercer & Hole.
Martin Coulson, Tax Partner at Mercer & Hole, said:
“We are pleased to support The Taylor Trek Extreme and the incredible work of the Trust and the Rennie Grove Peace Hospice. The event reflects the values we share at Mercer & Hole of working together to make a positive difference. We are proud to support an initiative that supports the legacy of Graham Taylor OBE.”
TrainSplit are also delighted to have been appointed as the official travel partner for The Extreme Taylor Trek, supporting participants by providing rail tickets to help trekkers get to the starting point of their challenge.
Kip Parker, Head of Partnerships at TrainSplit said:
“When we first heard about The Taylor Trek Extreme, we immediately thought it was a great idea. We then met with the team from Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust and were really impressed by the wide range of services they provide and the positive impact they have within the community.
We’re delighted to support The Taylor Trek Extreme and to provide the train tickets that will help get the trekkers to the start of their challenge. We wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”
Along the way, the Trust hopes to be joined by familiar faces from the world of football, including former players and footballing legends with connections to Graham and the clubs he represented.
Celebrating a Remarkable Footballing Legacy
Graham’s career took him from his first managerial role at Lincoln City to memorable spells with Watford, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the England national team.
However, his legacy stretches far beyond results on the pitch. Graham had a lasting impact on players, supporters and communities throughout his career, and the Extreme challenge will provide an opportunity to celebrate that impact alongside the clubs and organisations that formed part of his story.
The journey will begin at Lincoln City, where Graham Taylor OBE began his managerial career in 1972 and achieved promotion with the Imps before moving to Watford in 1977.
A spokesperson from Lincoln City, said:
“Lincoln City Football Club and Lincoln City Foundation are delighted to be supporting the incredible achievements of our former manager, Graham Taylor OBE, through The Taylor Trek Extreme campaign. Graham was renowned for putting supporters and the community at the heart of everything he did at the football clubs he represented, and his legacy continues today through the work of the Foundation.”
The team will also visit Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Graham managed between 1994 and 1995, continuing a managerial career that had already established him as one of the most respected figures in English football.
Will Clowes, Director of Wolves Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to support The Taylor Trek Extreme, in memory of Graham Taylor OBE, not just a hugely successful manager but someone who placed so much emphasis on the role of football clubs within the community.
Those who worked with him here at Wolves speak of how much care and interest he showed in them and their lives away from football, even with all the pressures and expectations placed on him within his role.
Just a couple of enduring memories are that he used to write all his programme notes by hand, including so much thought and preparation, and would often be found at the end of the day, washing up all the cups and plates in the staff kitchen!
His legacy is also the Compton training ground, which he identified as a suitable site for the club after many late-night drives around the city, so that even though his time as manager at Wolves was short, his impact was far greater.
His beliefs and values about the power of football and its influence across local communities are perfectly in tune with those we follow here at the Foundation, and we wish everyone connected with The Taylor Trek Extreme all the very best for the challenge”
Aston Villa will form another major stop on the route, recognising Graham’s two spells in charge of the club and another important chapter in his footballing story.
“The Aston Villa Foundation is proud to support The Taylor Trek Extreme as it marks five years of celebrating the life and legacy of Graham Taylor OBE. Graham holds a special place in the history of Aston Villa, and his contribution to the club, our supporters, and the wider football community will never be forgotten.
The Taylor Trek Extreme is a fantastic way to honour Graham’s legacy, bringing together clubs, supporters and communities as the team takes on this incredible 270+ mile challenge. We wish everyone taking part the very best of luck as they make their way to Villa Park and continue Graham’s legacy of bringing people together through football.”
Before returning to Watford, the team will visit Wembley Stadium, marking Graham’s time as England manager and his contribution to the national game. From Wembley, the Trekkers will complete the final leg of their journey back to Watford.
Join us for The Taylor Trek
The Extreme challenge may cover more than 270 miles – but supporters don’t have to walk quite that far to play their part.
The Trust is inviting families, friends, Watford supporters, local businesses and members of the community to join the trekkers for the fifth anniversary of The Taylor Trek on Sunday 4 October 2026.
The annual charity walk brings people together to celebrate Graham Taylor’s legacy while raising vital funds for Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.
Participants will follow in Graham’s footsteps around Watford, visiting key locations from his Hornets history before crossing the finish line pitch-side at Vicarage Road Stadium.
There are three routes to choose from:
- 3.5-mile Family Route – an inclusive route ideal for families of all ages, including well-behaved pets.
- 8.3-mile Medium Route – combining local history with a longer walking challenge.
- 18-mile Challenge Route – the ultimate Taylor Trek challenge for those looking to go the extra mile.
Sign up for The Taylor Trek on Sunday 4 October and help celebrate five years of walking in Graham’s footsteps:
https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TheTaylorTrek2026
