Accrington Stanley Community Trust (ASCT) is pleased to announce plans to develop a new £1.6 million community football facility at the Livingstone Road site, adjacent to the Wham Stadium.

The proposed development will transform the site into a modern, high-quality grassroots football hub, featuring:

• A new full-size floodlit 3G artificial pitch
• A natural grass pitch
• On-site car parking
• A modular building including catering and toilet facilities

The project represents further significant investment in local infrastructure by ASCT and is designed to enhance opportunities for grassroots football and wider community participation across Accrington and the surrounding area.

ASCT is working closely with the Football Foundation to secure a substantial grant towards the construction costs, alongside ongoing collaboration with Hyndburn Council, with a formal planning application expected to be submitted in the coming months.

As part of the plans, current leaseholders Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC will vacate their existing lease to enable ASCT to secure a new long-term agreement on the site. This long-term lease will provide the Trust with the stability required to unlock significant external funding and deliver the proposed development. The project will be delivered in partnership with the current tenants, ensuring continuity and long-term benefit for the local football community.

The scheme is currently progressing through the necessary legal processes, with detailed designs for the site being developed.

Subject to completion of these stages, construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027, with the new facility expected to open in late Summer 2027.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“This is a hugely exciting development for both Accrington Stanley Community Trust and the local community. The Livingstone Road project represents a significant step forward in our long-term ambition to enhance local sports infrastructure and provide high-quality facilities that can support participation at all levels.

We are pleased to be working closely with the Football Foundation and Hyndburn Council to bring this project forward, and to be collaborating with Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC to deliver a facility that builds on the strong foundations already in place at the site.

This development will not only support grassroots football, but also create wider opportunities for community engagement, health and wellbeing, ensuring the site can meet the needs of the area for many years to come.”

Craig Jenel, Chairman of Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC, said:

“We are proud to have played a role in developing football at Livingstone Road over many years, and we fully support these plans to take the site to the next level.

Working alongside Accrington Stanley Community Trust, we believe this project will deliver a first-class facility for the local community and grassroots game. While stepping away from our current lease is a significant decision, it is the right one to ensure the long-term future and sustainability of the site.

We look forward to continuing to work in partnership and supporting the success of this exciting new development.”

Warren Eastham, CEO of Accrington Stanley FC and Trustee of ASCT, said:

“Grassroots football is the very lifeblood of the entire football pyramid. When games are being called off week after week and leagues are disrupted because teams can’t complete fixtures, it highlights the urgent need for better facilities.

That’s why this project is so important. The Football Foundation, our Community Trust, Hyndburn Borough Council and the grassroots game are all coming together with a shared purpose, to make a real, lasting difference for people across the borough.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the plans come to life, getting children off their Xboxes and back out playing sport, where they belong. It’s also fantastic to see continued investment into the town from the Football Foundation, underlining their commitment to our community and the future of the game.”

Further updates will be provided over the coming months.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust (ASCT) will take pride of place on the front of the first-team shirts this Friday, as the club shines a spotlight on its award-winning community work.

In a generous show of support, Club owner Andy Holt, also of What More UK, has donated the ‘Wham’ front-of-shirt sponsorship for the fixture, allowing ASCT’s branding to take centre stage during the match. The initiative will not only raise awareness of the Trust’s life-changing programmes, but also generate vital funds through the auction of match-worn shirts, supporting its work across Hyndburn and beyond.

The one-off activation will see Stanley’s players wear shirts proudly displaying ‘Accrington Stanley Community Trust’, highlighting the breadth of community impact delivered every week through health, education, sport and inclusion programmes.

ASCT engages over 20,000 participants each year, using the power of the football club badge to improve lives. From supporting people with long-term health conditions and delivering youth engagement programmes, to tackling social isolation and improving employability, the Trust plays a central role in the local community.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Andy Holt and What More UK for this fantastic gesture. Opportunities like this allow us to showcase the work we do on behalf of the Football Club and reach people who may not yet know how we can support them.

“Having ASCT on the front of the shirts is not just about visibility, it’s about highlighting the real stories and real impact behind the badge. Every programme we deliver is designed to make a difference, and this kind of support helps us continue to grow and sustain that work.”

Andy Holt, Owner of Accrington Stanley Football Club and What More UK, added:
“The Community Trust is at the heart of everything we stand for as a club. Giving up the front-of-shirt sponsorship for this game is a small way of recognising the incredible work they do day in, day out.

“I’d encourage supporters and the wider community to take a closer look at ASCT and, if they can, get behind them.”

The activation provides a unique platform to celebrate the Trust’s achievements and encourage fans, partners and the wider public to engage with its programmes. Funds raised from the auctioned shirts will go directly towards sustaining and expanding initiatives that support people of all ages and backgrounds.

Supporters attending Friday’s match are encouraged to learn more about ASCT and how they can get involved, whether through participation, volunteering or partnership support.

For more information on ASCT, visit www.stanleytrust.co.uk.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust (ASCT) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £60,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation to launch a new programme supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The funding will support the delivery of Stanley Together: SEND Peer Support & Mentoring Network, a three-year project providing inclusive weekly sports and activity sessions for SEND young people aged 8–25 across Hyndburn.

The programme will focus on reducing social isolation, improving wellbeing, and helping participants build confidence, friendships, and life skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“We are extremely grateful to the Masonic Charitable Foundation for this generous funding. It will allow us to develop a dedicated SEND service that creates more opportunities for young people in our community to connect, build confidence and thrive.”

The project will be delivered from the Stanley Sports Hub in Accrington, with sessions beginning in April 2026.

A full announcement about the project and its impact will follow in the coming months.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the development of brand-new padel courts at the Stanley Sports Hub.

The project will see two state-of-the-art padel courts installed at the Trust’s flagship community sports facility in Accrington, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to the town for the first time.

Construction work is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the new courts scheduled to be completed and open to the public later this summer.

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, combining elements of tennis and squash in a fun, fast-paced and highly social format. Played on an enclosed court surrounded by glass and mesh panels, the sport is easy to learn and suitable for players of all ages and abilities, making it ideal for families, beginners and experienced racket sport players alike.

The addition of padel courts marks another significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Stanley Sports Hub. Since opening, the facility has become a key destination for sport and physical activity in Hyndburn, offering football, multi-sport, fitness classes and a wide range of community programmes.

By introducing padel to the site, the Trust aims to provide a new and exciting activity for the local community while continuing to expand the range of facilities available at the Stanley Sports Hub.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“We’re really pleased to have received planning permission for the new padel courts at the Stanley Sports Hub. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and we’re excited to be bringing it to Accrington for the first time.

The courts will provide another fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get active, try something new and enjoy sport in a social and welcoming environment. This development is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in facilities that benefit the whole community, and we’re looking forward to welcoming players onto the courts later this summer.”

Further information on court bookings, launch events and opportunities for the community to try padel will be announced in the coming months as the project progresses.

Updates on the development will be shared via the Accrington Stanley Community Trust website and social media channels.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to announce the arrival of a brand-new minibus, funded through the UK Government’s Common Ground Award via the Common Ground Resilience Fund.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) launched the Common Ground Resilience Fund in September as part of its commitment to building cohesive and resilient communities. A key focus of the programme is recognising and strengthening the vital role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in bringing people together from different backgrounds.

Through the Common Ground Award, capital funding is being invested into VCSE organisations across the country to support the construction or renovation of facilities, and the purchase of equipment needed to deliver essential services. Accrington Stanley Community Trust successfully secured funding to purchase a new minibus, which will significantly enhance the Trust’s ability to deliver its wide-ranging community programmes.

The minibus will support participants across the Trust’s education, sport, health and inclusion programmes — including the Football College, women’s and girls’ initiatives, disability sport sessions, holiday activities, and community outreach projects. Reliable transport is often one of the biggest barriers preventing individuals and families from accessing opportunities, and the new vehicle will ensure more people can engage safely and consistently in positive activities.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to receive support through the Government’s Common Ground Award. This funding recognises the important role that community organisations like ours play in bringing people together and creating opportunities for local residents.

The new minibus will make a huge difference to our day-to-day delivery, helping us remove transport barriers and ensuring more young people and families can access our programmes.”

As a leading VCSE organisation in Hyndburn, Accrington Stanley Community Trust works with thousands of participants each year, using the power of sport, education and community engagement to inspire positive change.

The Trust would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Common Ground Resilience Fund for their investment in local community development.

For more information about Accrington Stanley Community Trust and its programmes, visit www.stanleytrust.co.uk

Accrington Stanley Community Trust can confirm that Anne Ellwood has stepped down from her role as a Trustee after nine years of outstanding service, and has been appointed as an Ambassador of the Trust.

Anne has been a hugely influential figure within the Trust, bringing with her more than 30 years’ experience working in sport, community development and leadership. Her professional career included senior roles within Blackburn with Darwen Culture, Leisure and Sport, notably as a Sports Development Officer and Festivals and Events Officer, where she played a key role in establishing major initiatives including Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the first 5k event held at Witton Country Park.

A lifelong advocate for women’s and girls’ football, Anne played at a high level for Brontë Ladies, becoming champions of the North West Women’s League and winning numerous honours. She was also the first woman in the North West to qualify as a Level 2 football coach, helping to break down barriers within the game.

In recognition of her contribution to developing girls’ and women’s football, Anne was selected as an Olympic Torch Bearer in 2012, a national honour celebrating her impact on grassroots sport. She also played a big role in the founding of Accrington Stanley Girl’s & Ladies Football Club, now known as Accrington Stanley Women’s Football Club, leaving a lasting legacy within the club and the wider football community.

Anne joined the Board of Accrington Stanley Community Trust in 2017 and later served as Chair of Trustees, playing a pivotal role in the Trust’s growth, governance and community impact.

Speaking on her new role, Anne said she was “proud to continue supporting the Trust as an Ambassador and to help promote the fantastic work being delivered across the community.”

Chief Executive Officer Martin Fearon added:

“Anne’s contribution to the Trust has been exceptional. Her experience, leadership and passion have helped shape where we are today, and we are delighted that she will continue to represent and champion the Trust as an Ambassador.”

The Trust thanks Anne for her dedicated service as a Trustee and looks forward to her continued involvement in this new role.

To learn more about our trustees and ambassadors, please visit www.stanleytrust.co.uk

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce that it has secured £33,000 in grant funding from The Access Foundation to support a digital inclusion project aimed at helping people most at risk of being digitally excluded.

The funding will also enable the Trust to provide 20 laptops for use within its community programmes, ensuring participants have access to essential digital equipment. The project will support individuals and families to access education, training, employment opportunities and vital online services, while also helping them to build confidence and practical digital skills.

Digital exclusion remains a significant barrier for many people in the local community, limiting access to learning, job opportunities and everyday services. This project will directly address that challenge by removing the cost and access barriers associated with digital technology, helping people to engage more fully with modern society.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“This grant will make a significant difference to our organisation and the people we support. It allows us to tackle digital exclusion head-on by providing practical resources that help individuals access education, training and employment opportunities, ensuring no one is left behind.”

The Trust would like to thank The Access Foundation Trustees for their support and looks forward to sharing the impact of the project as it progresses over the coming months.