Participants, families, and local businesses came together in fantastic numbers this Good Friday as the much-anticipated Accrington Stanley Community Takeover proved a resounding success.

Held at the heart of the community at the Wham Stadium, the event transformed the day into a vibrant celebration of local pride, participation, and togetherness. With a wide range of activities on offer, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights included a half-time session featuring Huncoat United and Oswaldtwistle Juniors FC, as well as children’s activities in the Fan Zone. Families also enjoyed a special lunch at Stanley Sports Hub, adding to the community feel of the day.

Adding to the excitement, Accrington Stanley’s first team delivered a brilliant performance on the pitch, securing a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Freddie Sass and Seamus Conneely. Supporters had even more reason to celebrate as the squad wore a special one-off shirt featuring the Accrington Stanley Community Trust logo. These shirts will now be auctioned to raise funds for the Trust’s vital work.

The Accrington Stanley Community Takeover was organised to bring people together and showcase the power of community-led initiatives. More than 2,000 attendees enjoyed the matchday experience and engaged with the work of the Community Trust throughout the day.

One of the standout features of the event was the strong turnout from a wide range of community groups. Participants from the Over 50’s programme, Stanley V Cancer, and local Veterans were all in attendance. Their involvement highlighted the inclusive nature of the day and the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting people of all ages and backgrounds.

Families were also out in force, with children taking part in a walk to the match, creating a fantastic pre-game atmosphere.

Event organisers praised the incredible support from the local community. Joanna Williams, Partnerships & Fundraising Manager, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many people coming together and making the most of everything on offer. Events like this show the real strength of our community and what can be achieved when we work in partnership to create opportunities for everyone.”

As the day drew to a close, there was a shared sense of achievement and pride among everyone involved. The success of the Accrington Stanley Community Takeover has already sparked conversations about future events, with plans to build on this momentum and continue creating opportunities for residents to connect and thrive.

With smiles all around and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the event has firmly cemented itself as a highlight in the local community calendar.