Community Trust Secures £18,000 National Lottery Funding for Stanley Steps for Nature
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce that we have secured £18,000 funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver an exciting new project, Stanley Steps for Nature.
Launching in January 2026, this two-year initiative will bring local people together to get active outdoors while caring for Hyndburn’s green spaces. Weekly community walks and runs will take place in local parks, woodlands, and along canal paths, making it easier and more enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature.
Alongside this, we will deliver monthly Nature and Wellbeing Days featuring community gardening, outdoor activities, and picnics. These events will also include practical action such as litter-picks, tree planting, and wildflower sowing, helping to improve local environments for everyone.
The project will:
- Support healthier, more active lifestyles
- Improve mental wellbeing and reduce isolation
- Strengthen community connections
- Enhance and protect local natural spaces
The idea for Stanley Steps for Nature was shaped through consultation with local residents, schools, and partner organisations. Feedback showed a strong desire for more opportunities to be active outdoors, safer and more welcoming green spaces, and accessible activities for families and older adults.
By combining physical activity with environmental action, Stanley Steps for Nature will give residents the chance to play a hands-on role in shaping and improving their local area. The project will also build on the Trust’s successful history of delivering health and community programmes, adding a stronger focus on environmental impact.
We are grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible. Their support means we can continue to grow opportunities for local people to feel healthier, happier, and more connected to each other and to the environment around them.
For updates on Stanley Steps for Nature and how you can get involved, follow Accrington Stanley Community Trust on social media or visit our website www.stanleytrust.co.uk
FA Para Talent Hub
Accrington Stanley Community Trust selected to host FA Para Talent Hub at Stanley Sports Hub
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to announce that it has been chosen by The Football Association to host a FA Para Talent Hub at the Stanley Sports Hub in Accrington.
The Para Talent Hub programme is designed to support young footballers aged 7–16 with specific impairments, offering them an environment to develop their skills and reach their full potential. The hubs act as the first step on the England Para Football Pathway, providing talented young players with opportunities to progress towards national squads in the future.
By hosting the FA Para Talent Hub in East Lancashire, Accrington Stanley Community Trust will play a key role in opening up pathways for local players with impairments including cerebral palsy, deafness, and visual impairments. The hub will offer specialist coaching, access to high-quality facilities, and the chance to be part of a welcoming football community.
Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“We are delighted to have been selected to host the FA Para Talent Hub here at Stanley Sports Hub. This is an exciting opportunity to inspire and support young players with impairments in our community. We are committed to ensuring that football is inclusive and accessible for everyone, and this programme provides a fantastic pathway for talented players to fulfil their potential.”
Participation in the Para Talent Hub is the first step on The FA’s Para Football Talent Pathway. From here, players showing ability and commitment could be nominated to progress through regional and national stages of the programme. For some, this journey could ultimately lead to the honour of representing England’s national Para football teams, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wear the Three Lions.
The monthly Para Talent Hub sessions will take place on the following dates at Stanley Sports Hub:
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24th October 2025
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21st November 2025
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12th December 2025
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30th January 2026
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27th February 2026
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13th March 2026
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17th April 2026
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15th May 2026
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19th June 2026
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10th July 2026
Sessions will take place in the evenings, exact times to be confirmed but approx. 6pm/7pm To register your interest in these sessions please complete the form below and a member of the team will be in touch
For more information, please contact: lee.walsh@stanleytrust.co.uk or call 01254 475013
Stanley launch street soccer academy
We are delighted to announce that we have received funding for a brand-new programme – Street Soccer Academy. This is due to commence on Thursday 25th September and will be available for people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Street soccer academy is a 12-week programme designed to educate young adults who are looking to take the next steps towards employment or education. Each week the participants will take part in a workshop on different topics before taking to the football pitch for 90 minutes of football before finishing off with lunch for the whole group.
Throughout the course we will bring a bunch of individuals together to create a group of people who grow in confidence and togetherness, while learning valuable skills and knowledge along the way. We will then bring the group together to take part in a national football tournament against all of the other clubs who have delivered the programme as an end of programme celebration.
If you meet the criteria and want to get involved, why not get in touch? Email adam.aspinall@stanleytrust.co.uk
National Poetry Day Competition
Accrington Stanley Community Trust are celebrating National Poetry Day and want our partner schools to join in on the act! We are looking to celebrate our young people and their passion for poetry.
We are hosting a National Poetry Day Competition which will see over 50 schools take part in the challenge! We want you to create your own poem celebrating your teachers and all their hard work! We will have a KS1 and a KS2 entry. The poem can be as long or a little as you want as long as you celebrate how fantastic your teachers are!
We plan to celebrate the winners of each school in a school assembly on National Poetry Day (2nd October 2025). The winners of each school will then go into the final round of judging with the chance to win the overall prize which includes having your poem to appear in an Accrington Stanley Match Day Programme, 2 free tickets to watch Accrington Stanley FC and to have your poem read over the tannoy live at the game!
This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work of our young people and helpful inspire different generations.
All poems must be submitted by 26th September 2025
To enter our competition please send your completed poem, with your name, year group and school to elle.andrews@stanleytrust.co.uk
Thank you and Good Luck!
Trust Hosts First Golf Day at Accrington Golf Club
Accrington Stanley Community Trust proudly hosted its first-ever Golf Day on Thursday 11th September 2025 at Accrington Golf Club.
The day saw teams of four come together to enjoy a round of golf, complemented by a networking breakfast and a post-game meal. The event provided the perfect mix of friendly competition, networking opportunities, and fundraising, with proceeds going directly towards supporting the Trust’s wide-ranging community projects across Hyndburn.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Joanna Williams from Accrington Stanley Community Trust said:
“Our first golf day has been a fantastic success, and we’re absolutely delighted with the turnout. It was brilliant to see so many people come together, enjoy a wonderful day of golf, and support the Trust’s work in the community. We’d like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who took part and contributed to making this such a memorable event.”
The Golf Day marks a new addition to the Trust’s fundraising calendar, with plans already underway to make it an annual fixture. The money raised will support the Trust’s ongoing efforts in sport, health, education, and inclusion, helping to positively impact thousands of local people each year.
Cleaner, Faster, Smarter – Thanks to Fowler UK
Fowler UK Teams Up with Accrington Stanley Community Trust to Deliver New Laundry Equipment
Fowler UK, a leading provider of commercial laundry solutions, is proud to announce its new partnership with Accrington Stanley Community Trust. The collaboration sees Fowler UK supplying state-of-the-art laundry equipment to the Accrington Stanley Community Trust, significantly enhancing the charity’s operational efficiency and supporting our ongoing commitment to excellence at our facility in Hyndburn.
The newly installed equipment will support day-to-day laundry operations for the Trust, helping maintain high standards in hygiene and kit care for its College players, and community programmes. The upgrade marks an important investment in infrastructure as the Trust continues to grow its impact within the local community.
“We’re thrilled to partner with a charity that shares our values of quality, reliability, and community engagement,” said William Fowler, Director at Fowler UK. “Accrington Stanley Community Trust has a proud history and a bright future, and we’re proud to contribute to their continued success behind the scenes.”
Accrington Stanley Community Trust Partnerships & Fundraising Manager – Joanna Williams added: “Having reliable and high-performance laundry equipment is essential for the daily operations of the Trust. Fowler UK’s support ensures we can maintain the best standards for everyone involved in our programmes. It’s fantastic to have them on board.”
This partnership reflects Fowler UK’s dedication to supporting local organisations through tailored equipment solutions and responsive service, while aligning with Accrington Stanley’s ongoing efforts to enhance facilities for players and the wider community.
Fowler UK – visit their website here: https://fowleruk.com/
About Fowler UK
Fowler UK is a trusted specialist in the commercial laundry and catering equipment industry, providing nationwide support through expert advice, bespoke installations, and reliable, honest aftercare. As a family-run business with nearly 60 years of experience, they proudly serve a diverse range of sectors including sports clubs, hotels, care facilities, and veterinary practices.
Accrington Stanley Community Trust Celebrates 15 Years of Community Impact
Accrington Stanley Community Trust (ASCT) proudly marks its 15th anniversary, celebrating a decade and a half of delivering life-changing programmes across sport, education, health, and community engagement.
Since its foundation on 8 September 2010, the Trust has become a cornerstone of local support, engaging thousands of people of all ages across Hyndburn and beyond.
A Journey of Growth and Impact
From small beginnings in 2010, ASCT has steadily grown into an award-winning charity. Over the past 15 years, the Trust has:
- Expanded to four key pillars of work: Sports Participation, Education, Health & Wellbeing, and Community Engagement.
- Delivered flagship programmes such as Kicks, disability sports, youth mentoring, and veterans’ activities.
- Opened the Stanley Sports Hub, with over £4 million invested since 2019.
- Hosted the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, in January 2024, who praised the Trust’s role in driving community impact and grassroots development.
- Winners of various charity awards and recognitions including the Hyndburn Business Awards.
- Launched major youth initiatives which increased engagement to over 20,000 people each year.
Voices of Celebration
Chair of Trustees, Purves Ali reflected on the milestone:
“Reaching 15 years is a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners. The Trust was founded on the belief that football and sport can inspire positive change, and seeing the impact we’ve had on thousands of lives is truly humbling. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but equally excited about what lies ahead.”
Chief Executive Officer, Martin Fearon added:
“From day one, our focus has been on providing opportunities and support where it’s needed most. The growth of the Trust over the past 15 years, particularly the development of the Stanley Sports Hub, shows what can be achieved when the community comes together. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Looking Ahead
With 15 successful years behind them, ASCT is already planning for the future. Priorities include expanding disability sports provision, strengthening educational programmes, and forging new partnerships to support the health and wellbeing of the local community.
As the Trust celebrates this milestone, it stands as a shining example of how football can be more than just a game, it can be a catalyst for education, inclusion, and opportunity.
To learn more about the Trust, please visit www.stanleytrust.co.uk
Stanley Offer Free Match Day Experience to Hyndburn Grassroots Teams for Colchester Fixture
Accrington Stanley are thrilled to announce a special community initiative tailored for young footballers across Hyndburn. All grassroots teams at Under-12 level and below are being invited to a free matchday experience at the upcoming home fixture against Colchester United.
Match Details
- Fixture: Accrington Stanley vs. Colchester United
- Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 PM
As part of our commitment to the local football community, Accrington Stanley will provide free vouchers to every participating under-12 child, which also includes entry for one accompanying adult.
Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust said:
“Grassroots football is at the heart of our town, and this initiative is our way of giving back to the clubs, coaches, parents and most importantly the players who represent Hyndburn every weekend. We want these young footballers to feel part of the Stanley family and experience the excitement of a live match at the Wham Stadium.”
DHCS Junior Redz Fanzone
Young supporters and their families can also enjoy the exciting new family activities at the Wham Stadium, which features a range of pre-match games and entertainment. With interactive challenges, football-themed fun, and opportunities to meet club mascots, the DHCS Junior Redz Fanzone has been designed to make the matchday experience even more enjoyable for children and families attending together.
How to Secure Tickets
Grassroots clubs in Hyndburn are invited to submit ticket requests on behalf of their teams. To do so, please email info@stanleysportshub.co.uk with your request no later than Monday 8th September 2025. Ticket requests must include grassroots team name, age group and total number of tickets required.
Stanley to Launch New Youth Team for 2026/2027 Season
Accrington Stanley Football Club, in association with Accrington Stanley Community Trust, is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new Youth Team from the 2026/2027 season.
The new Youth Team is aimed at talented players with a history in academy football who are seeking a pathway back into the professional game. The programme will combine elite-level coaching with an education offer based at the £4m Stanley Sports Hub, training alongside the Accrington Stanley First Team.
Players in the programme will benefit from:
- Full-time training under UEFA-qualified coaches.
- Competitive fixtures in the National League U19 Alliance.
- Compete in the FA Youth Cup.
- BTEC L3 in Sport Course delivered alongside football development.
- Access to the first-team training environment and facilities.
- Consideration for a professional football contract with Accrington Stanley FC.
Over the course of the 2025/2026 season Accrington Stanley Football Club and Accrington Stanley Community Trust will create an U16s Weekly Training Group.
This group will train regularly at the Stanley Sports Hub under the guidance of Accrington Stanley Football Club Captain, Seamus Conneely and other UEFA coaches, providing players with high-quality development in preparation for the step up to competitive youth football. There will also be a number of friendly fixtures arranged throughout the season.
Towards the end of the season, standout players will have the opportunity to secure a two-year scholarship place, beginning in July 2026, and join the club’s full time Youth Team squad.
Trial Dates:
📍 Stanley Sports Hub
🗓 Tuesday 16th September, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
🗓 Tuesday 23rd September, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Accrington Stanley Football Club Owner, Andy Holt said:
“This new youth team is a significant step in developing homegrown talent and ensuring local players have a clear route to progress into our first team. Having had to reluctantly close our academy last season due to financial implications, there has been a gap in the pathway to the first team and this programme now fills that gap.
By working in partnership with Accrington Stanley Community Trust, the new setup is fully sustainable and does not put financial pressure on the football club. This approach brings together football excellence and education, giving young people the tools to succeed both on and off the pitch.”
Accrington Stanley Community Trust CEO, Martin Fearon added:
“We are excited to provide this unique opportunity for aspiring footballers in the area. As someone local who progressed through the club’s U18s into the first team, I know just how vital this pathway can be for talented young players. Combining a high-level football programme with academic study ensures our players have a bright future, whether in professional sport or beyond.”
Young players currently in year 11 who wish to register for trials can visit https://forms.gle/agqV47jLBpuxNyim7 or contact stefan.wilson@stanleytrust.co.uk for further details.