Latest News Archives - Accrington Stanley Community Trust

Category: Latest News

April 14, 2026

FA Para Talent ID Day

Trust to Host FA Para Talent Day

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a FA Para Talent Day at Stanley Sports Hub on Wednesday 28th May, from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

The event is free of charge and open to eligible participants, offering a fantastic opportunity for young players with impairments to showcase their ability and take their first steps on The FA’s Para Football Talent Pathway.

The FA Para Talent Hub programme is designed to support talented footballers aged 7–16 with specific impairments, providing a high-quality environment to develop their skills and reach their full potential. The programme acts as a key entry point into England’s Para football pathway, with opportunities for players to progress to regional and national levels.

Taking place at the £4 million Stanley Sports Hub facility, the Talent Day will give players access to specialist coaching, excellent facilities, and a welcoming football environment that reflects the Trust’s commitment to inclusive sport.

The event is open to players with a range of eligible impairments, including cerebral palsy, visual impairments, and hearing impairments, and aims to identify and support the next generation of Para football talent in East Lancashire.

Participants attending the Talent Day will have the chance to demonstrate their skills in a structured and supportive setting, with selected players being signposted into the FA Para Talent Hub programme delivered by the Trust.

A spokesperson from Accrington Stanley Community Trust said:
“We are excited to provide this opportunity for players within our community to access the FA Para Talent pathway. This Talent Day is a fantastic chance for young people to showcase their ability, enjoy football, and take the next step in their development.”

Places are limited, and participants must meet the eligibility criteria to attend.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact the team at lee.walsh@stanleytrust.co.uk or call 01254 475013.

For more information, please contact: lee.walsh@stanleytrust.co.uk or call 01254 475013

March 31, 2026

Community Trust to Feature on Accrington Stanley Shirts at Crewe Fixture

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.

March 26, 2026

New Look Over 50s Project

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new programme aimed at engaging people aged 50 and over across the local community.

Funded through the Premier League Players Fund, in partnership with The PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association), the project is designed to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection for older adults in Hyndburn and the surrounding areas.

Fronted by Accrington Stanley club captain Seamus Conneely, the initiative will use the power of football and community engagement to inspire more over 50s to get active and connected.

Walking Football Takes Centre Stage

At the heart of the programme is a brand-new Walking Football session, taking place at Stanley Sports Hub (BB5 6BD) every Monday from 7pm–8pm, completely free of charge.

Walking Football is a slower-paced version of the game, designed to be accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for those who may not have played for years—or ever before.

Over 50s Football

Taking place every Friday from 1:30pm–3pm, offering a more traditional format for those looking to get back into the game at their own pace.

More Than Just Football

Alongside the Monday sessions, the project also offers a range of additional activities as part of the Trust’s growing over 50s provision:

Extra Time Hubs
- Men’s session: Thursdays, 10am–12pm
- Women’s session: Fridays, 10am–12pm
  These relaxed social sessions provide a space for participants to connect, chat, and access support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

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A Community-Driven Approach

Speaking about the project, Seamus Conneely said:

“It’s fantastic to see opportunities like this being made available in the community. Football has the power to bring people together, and this programme is all about making sure everyone—no matter their age—has the chance to get involved, stay active, and feel part of something.”

Get Involved

The programme is open to anyone aged 50 and over, regardless of ability or experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, meet new people, or simply enjoy the game again, there’s something for everyone.

If you are interested in joining one of the sessions please complete this online form…

For more information or to get involved, please contact Accrington Stanley Community Trust 01254 475013 info@stanleytrust.co.uk or simply turn up to a session.

March 19, 2026

Josh Woods Named PFA Community Champion

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to announce that Josh Woods has been named the club’s PFA Community Champion for the 2025–26 season, in recognition of his outstanding support and commitment to community programmes throughout the year.

The Stanley midfielder has played a key role off the pitch, actively supporting a range of the Trust’s initiatives, including the Champions Programme.

Across the season, Josh has dedicated time to engaging with young people involved in both the Champions Programme and disability sessions. His involvement has included visiting participants at the Stanley Sports Hub, supporting half-term activities such as snooker, darts and table tennis, and spending time within the Trust’s disability sports sessions.

Josh Woods said:“It’s an honour to receive this award. The work that the Community Trust does through its programmes is incredible, and it’s been a privilege to spend time with the young people involved. Sometimes people just need the right support and the right environment to help them move forward, and if I can play even a small part in that, then it means a lot.”

Lee Walsh, Head of Sport at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, added:
“Josh has been fantastic in supporting our programmes this season. He is always willing to give his time to meet and speak with participants, and the impact that has on the young people we work with is significant. Having positive role models like Josh involved in programmes such as the Champions Programme helps to inspire participants and show them what can be achieved.”

The PFA Community Champion Award recognises players who go above and beyond in supporting their club’s work within the community. Josh’s dedication throughout the 2025–26 season makes him a deserving recipient and highlights the strong partnership between Accrington Stanley Football Club and Accrington Stanley Community Trust in supporting local people.

March 17, 2026

Whalley Girls are Premier League Primary Stars Regional Champions

Whalley Primary Crowned Regional Champions in Premier League Primary Stars Tournament

Pupils from Whalley Primary School delivered an outstanding performance as they proudly represented Accrington Stanley Community Trust at the Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament – Regional Qualifiers.

The tournament took place on 16th March at the impressive training facilities of Manchester City in the Community, where some of the region’s top primary school teams gathered to compete for a place in the national finals.

The competition began with three groups of five teams, with only the group winners and the best runner-up progressing to the semi-finals. Whalley Primary rose to the challenge in style, battling through a highly competitive group stage. The team showed resilience and quality throughout, securing three wins and one draw to finish top of their group and book their place in the knockout stages.

In the semi-final, Whalley faced a strong Huddersfield side, knowing that victory would secure qualification for the national finals. Fully focused and determined, the team produced a fantastic performance to win 3-1 in a closely contested match, sparking celebrations as they confirmed their place among the country’s elite.

The final against Stockport proved to be a dramatic and emotional encounter. Whalley took a 1-0 lead and looked set for victory, only for Stockport to equalise in the final five seconds, forcing the game into extra time. Showing incredible character, Whalley responded brilliantly. A long ball from Eilah found Elsie, who calmly flicked the ball past the goalkeeper to restore the lead at 2-1. The decisive moment sent the team into jubilation, and they held on to secure a memorable victory and become regional champions.

This incredible achievement means Whalley Primary School will now go on to represent Accrington Stanley Community Trust in the National Finals, competing against other regional winners from across the country.

Everyone at Accrington Stanley Community Trust expressed immense pride in the team’s success, praising not only their talent but also their attitude and teamwork throughout the tournament.

Jack Leaver said:
“The girls were a credit to themselves, the school and us as a community trust. They showcased their talents, work rate and incredible team spirit. They approached all the games in a positive manner and were a dream to work with. I’m so proud of them and cannot wait to see what else they can achieve together going forward.”

A truly remarkable achievement—and one that promises an exciting journey ahead at the national stage.

We would like to express our thanks to Manchester City in the Community for hosting such a great event and one that will live long in the memory of all the teams that were taking part today.

The Premier League Primary Stars National Final venue and date are to be confirmed.

March 12, 2026

Stanley Summer Series 2026

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is excited to announce the return of the Stanley Summer Series Football Tournament 2026, taking place at the Stanley Sports Hub in Accrington.

The tournament will run across several weekends in May and June 2026, bringing together grassroots teams from across the region for a fantastic celebration of youth football. The event will provide young players with the opportunity to enjoy competitive matches in a fun, safe and professionally organised environment.

The Stanley Summer Series will include competitions for both mixed teams and girls-only teams, with matches played on the 3G pitches at Stanley Sports Hub. The tournament is open to grassroots clubs using 2025/26 season age groups, and academy teams are not permitted to enter.

Entry for the tournament is £60 per team, with medals awarded to all players taking part and trophies presented to the winning teams in each age category. Refreshments will also be available on site throughout the event.

Teams looking to take part are encouraged to register early as spaces are limited.

To register a team, visit:
https://portal.sportskey.com/venues/393

For more information, please contact Accrington Stanley Community Trust on 01254 475013 or email info@stanleytrust.co.uk.

March 11, 2026

Accrington Stanley Community Trust Secures £60,000 Funding to Support Young People with SEND

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.

March 6, 2026

Accrington Set to Welcome New Padel Courts as Stanley Sports Hub Expansion Gets Green Light

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.

March 6, 2026

Accrington Stanley Community Trust Takeover Day

Accrington Stanley Community Trust will be taking centre stage at the Wham Stadium as part of a special Community Takeover Day at an upcoming Accrington Stanley home fixture.

The takeover on Good Friday 3rd April will celebrate the wide range of work delivered by the Trust across Hyndburn, supporting people of all ages through programmes focused on sport, education, health, and community development.

Throughout the day, supporters attending the match will have the opportunity to learn more about the Trust’s work and the impact it has across the local community. Representatives from a number of the Trust’s programmes will be present around the stadium, highlighting how the organisation engages with thousands of participants each year.

The Community Takeover will also showcase some of the participants and partner organisations involved in the Trust’s initiatives, offering a chance for fans to see first-hand the difference that community programmes can make.

Activities will be taking place both inside and around the stadium, creating a fantastic opportunity to bring the club and community even closer together on matchday.

Joanna Williams, Partnerships and Fundraising Manager at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“Community Takeover Day is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the impact that Accrington Stanley Community Trust has across the local area.

We work with thousands of people each year through our sport, health, education and community programmes, and this event allows supporters to see first-hand the difference these initiatives make.

We’re really looking forward to welcoming fans, partners and participants to the Wham Stadium and celebrating the power of football to bring people together and support our community.”

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early, get involved with the activities, and help celebrate the incredible work taking place through Accrington Stanley Community Trust.

Together with the club, the Trust continues to play a key role in using the power of football to inspire, support, and positively impact the local community.

To purchase tickets for the game against Crewe Alexandra please visit www.accringtonstanley.co.uk

March 2, 2026

Premier League supports Accrington Stanley to give free books to local primary school pupils

To mark World Book Day 2026® (Thursday 5 March), the Premier League will be giving away more than 120,000 free books to children across England and Wales, through its Premier League Primary Stars programme. The giveaway, which has been supported by the World Book Day Charity and National Year of Reading initiative, forms part of the League’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust on Premier League Primary Stars literacy activity.

At a time when reading for pleasure levels are at a two-decade low, and 1 in 10 children and young people don’t have a book of their own at home, supporting children and young people to find the joy in reading is more important than ever. Research shows that reading for pleasure can benefit a child’s reading skills, wellbeing, empathy, confidence, and aptitude for learning. Since Premier League Primary Stars began in 2017, more than 460,000 free books have been gifted to young people across England and Wales.

Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of football to help children learn, be active and develop essential life skills and is available to every primary school in England and Wales. More than 75,000 teachers have engaged with the programme to date, giving them access to more than 650 free downloadable resources across Maths, English, PE and PSHE.

Accrington Stanley is one of 104 professional football club charities across England and Wales to benefit from more than 1,200 free books this World Book Day, which they will be able to give away to local partner primary schools in [insert area] as part of their Premier League Primary Stars classroom delivery.

World Book Day is a charity that champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives. Young people are more likely to read if they see it as a fun, entertaining and social thing to do. That’s what World Book Day is all about; inspiring them to see reading differently.

The Premier League and the National Literacy Trust are running the Great Big World Book Day 2026 Footy & Booky Quiz, which will feature videos from Premier League footballers and authors, including Nadia Shireen and A.M. Dassu. This event is one of the Go All In Together Moments that aim to bring people together to celebrate reading throughout the National Year of Reading. The free online quiz is available for all primary schools across England and Wales to join and engage pupils. Schools can sign up for free here: https://literacytrust.org.uk/world-book-day-live

Premier League Foundation Chief Executive, Alex White, said: “Since 2017 almost half a million children across England and Wales have received a free book thanks to Premier League Primary Stars and the National Literacy Trust. We understand the crucial role that reading for enjoyment has in building confidence and promoting positive mental health in young people. Through the Premier League Primary Stars education programme we are committed to helping children access the many benefits that reading offers.”

Jim Sells, Senior Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust, said: “World Book Day celebrates reading for pleasure for everyone, which is central to the National Literacy Trust’s mission of giving every child, young person and family the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. Having the opportunity to choose a book of their own can inspire a lifelong love of reading – with benefits for everything from confidence and empathy, to doing well at school. For some of the children we’re working with, this might be the first book they’ve ever owned.

“Our goal is to engage those who need support this World Book Day through inclusive activities, like our free live quiz and wide-scale book donations, inspiring a life-long love of books and reading, and empowering children and young people with the words to shape their own futures. Excitingly, this year is also the National Year of Reading, providing us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to inspire all children and families across the UK to discover the transformative power of reading.”

The Premier League Primary Stars World Book Day activities are just one example of how the Premier League, Premier League Foundation and clubs are supporting the National Year of Reading, which aims to inspire young people to discover the many benefits that reading can bring and help reverse the decline in people reading for pleasure.

For more information, please visit Premier League Primary Stars

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