News Archives - Accrington Stanley Community Trust

Category: News

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 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

February 25, 2026

Lace Up for Stanley’s Trek for the Trust with Abigail’s Trails

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is excited to launch Stanley’s Trek for the Trust, a fantastic day of challenge, community and purpose in partnership with Abigail’s Trails.

Taking place on Sunday 22nd March 2026, participants can choose between a 7-mile or 17-mile trek, exploring the beautiful local countryside while raising vital funds to support the Trust’s work across Hyndburn.

Leading the way is Abigail, founder of Abigail’s Trails, a qualified Lowland Leader with an inspiring background and passion for the outdoors.

Abigail said:

“I was a Geography teacher with a past career as a Marine Ecologist; an avid nature lover, fell runner and experienced hiker. I’ve always loved being outdoors in all weather — from wildflower meadows and moorland stomps to scrambling up mountains. As a qualified Lowland Leader, I want to share that passion and empower others to access the trails, discover the beauty of our natural environment and gain confidence exploring with respect.”

With Abigail’s expertise and guidance, the trek promises to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for walkers of all abilities. Whether you’re taking on the 7-mile route or pushing yourself with the 17-mile challenge, this event is about more than just walking — it’s about coming together to make a real difference in our community.

All funds raised will support the Trust’s life-changing programmes, helping us continue to provide opportunities for people of all ages across Hyndburn.

Joanna Williams, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“Stanley’s Trek for the Trust is a brilliant opportunity for our community to come together, challenge themselves and support the important work we deliver every day. We’re delighted to be partnering with Abigail’s Trails to create an event that promotes wellbeing, connection and purpose, all while raising vital funds for the Trust.”

So, lace up your walking boots and join us for a memorable day on the trails — we can’t wait to see you there!

Book your place here: https://portal.sportskey.com/venues/accrington-stanley-sports-hub/events/UB46VR

February 24, 2026

Trust Supports Olly’s Journey to Mexico

Accrington Stanley Community Trust were proud to support a recent bucket collection alongside Riley and Olly to help raise vital funds for Olly’s life-changing treatment journey. The total raised from Saturday’s collection at the Accrington Stanley v Shrewsbury game was £238!

Olly is a truly remarkable young boy living with a rare genetic condition called SYNGAP1, which has resulted in epilepsy, autism, a learning disability and traits of cerebral palsy. He also has cilia dystrophy and is non-verbal. Despite the challenges he faces every day, Olly is known for being incredibly happy, determined and full of character.

Currently, there is no specialist treatment available in the UK for Olly’s condition. However, his family have identified a 28-day clinical trial in Mexico through NeuroCytonix, which has shown promising results for another child with the same condition. The treatment has the potential to improve Olly’s independence, communication, mobility and overall quality of life.

To help make this possible, Olly’s family are aiming to raise £40,000 to cover the cost of the treatment and travel. The recent bucket collection, supported by Riley, Olly and the Trust, saw the local community come together in fantastic spirit to contribute towards this goal.

Olly dreams of being more like his older brothers, and this opportunity could bring him one step closer to achieving that. The Trust is incredibly proud to stand alongside the Barker family and our community in supporting such an important cause. We would like to thank everyone who donated and showed their support — your kindness could help make a life-changing difference for Olly and his family.

If you didn’t get the opportunity to contribute to this incredible cause please visit their go fundme page :

Fundraiser by Laura Lord : Help olly go to Mexico for Neurocytonix

February 24, 2026

PL Community Captain named

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to announce Jack Leaver as our Premier League Community Captain, recognising his outstanding dedication and impact within the programme.

The Community Captain award forms part of the Premier League’s More Than A Game campaign, celebrating individuals who are at the heart of Premier League-funded community programmes across the country. Jack’s commitment, enthusiasm and ability to act as a positive role model for young people on his Premier League Kicks sessions make him a truly deserving recipient.

Premier League Kicks uses the power of football to inspire young people aged 8–18, providing free, inclusive sessions that promote confidence, wellbeing and positive life choices. Delivered weekly across Hyndburn, the programme creates safe spaces where young people can develop both on and off the pitch.

Jack has played a key role in shaping those opportunities locally. Through his support and mentoring, participants have grown in confidence, built friendships and developed a strong sense of belonging within their community. His work highlights the transformative power of football and the positive pathways it can create for young people.

Everyone at Accrington Stanley Community Trust would like to congratulate Jack on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for the fantastic difference he continues to make through Premier League Kicks.

February 4, 2026

Trust Secures £23,810 Grant to Support Women Veterans

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is pleased to announce that it has secured £23,810 in funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust through its Hidden Voices programme to deliver Stanley Strong: Women Who Served — a dedicated Women Veterans Wellbeing Collective.

The funding will enable the Trust to deliver a year-long programme designed specifically to support women veterans, a group whose experiences and needs are often overlooked. Many women who have served in the Armed Forces report feeling invisible within both veteran services and wider wellbeing provision. Stanley Strong has been developed directly in response to these voices.

The programme will offer weekly, women-only sessions that combine physical activity with wellbeing support. Activities will include football, boxing and yoga, alongside workshops focused on confidence-building, mental wellbeing and personal development. Sessions will be welcoming, flexible and supportive, allowing participants to engage at their own pace in a safe and inclusive environment.

Alongside the weekly sessions, the programme will also include peer mentoring and social activities aimed at reducing isolation and strengthening connections. A key element of Stanley Strong is supporting participants to develop peer-led groups, helping to ensure that relationships and support networks continue beyond the life of the funding.

Rhian Sabatino, Head of Community Engagement at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“Women veterans have told us very clearly that they often feel unseen and unsupported once they leave service. Stanley Strong is about creating a space where women who have served feel valued, understood and able to connect with others who share similar experiences. This funding allows us to listen to those voices and work alongside women veterans to build a programme that supports their wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging, both now and into the future.”

The Trust is grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Hidden Voices programme for recognising the importance of tailored, community-based support for women veterans. This funding provides an opportunity to listen, learn and work alongside women veterans to create support that genuinely reflects their needs and experiences.

For more information about the Women Veterans Wellbeing Collective or to find out how to get involved, please contact rhian.sabatino@stanleytrust.co.uk

September 15, 2025

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.

July 21, 2025

Champions Tournament Inspires Lancashire Youths

On Wednesday 16^th July, Accrington Stanley Sports Hub once again had the pleasure of hosting the annual Champions Football Tournament. Eight community trusts from across Lancashire were invited to the Sports Hub to take part in the day.

Teams representing Accrington, AFC Fylde, Blackburn, Blackpool Burnley, Morecambe, Preston and Wigan took part in a seven match round robin which saw Blackpool, Wigan, Accrington and Blackburn progress to the semi-finals. A dominant Blackpool side secured the trophy following a 1-0 victory over Wigan after also topping the table during the group stages. Blackpool also took home the trophy for Player of the tournament, whilst Burnley took home the Sportsmanship award, as voted for by the referees.

The event was held to celebrate the achievements of young people across Lancashire who are currently enrolled on or have recently completed their Champions programme. Champions is a mentoring scheme for 10-25 year olds with a focus on the prevention and reduction of offending behaviour. Backed by the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, the programme is currently in it’s sixth year and has helped young people across Lancashire make positive changes to their lifestyles.

The day once again proved to be a success with one participant stating “I played last year and have been looking forward to this day since we got knocked out last year. I wish we could do this more than once a year.” Accrington’s Champions mentor and tournament organiser, Millie Hall, also spoke highly of the day. “I’m so pleased that the day has ran smoothly yet again and all of the Champions clients have enjoyed themselves. I love this day as it gives young people who are often overlooked a chance to shine. Each of the participants should be so proud of their achievements which have got them to this point.”

To find out more about the Champions programme and the work our mentors do, please contact one of our Champions mentors via email.

Millie Hall millie.hall@teamchampions.co.uk

Kathryn Hoyle kathryn.hoyle@teamchampions.co.uk

July 14, 2025

Understanding Club Charities and Football Clubs

In the football industry, the terms Club Community Organisation (CCO) and Club refer to two distinct entities that serve different purposes, although they are often closely linked.

A football club is the core sporting organisation. It manages the professional teams, players, coaching staff, matchday operations, and commercial activities. The Club’s main objective is sporting success, such as winning matches, trophies, and competing at the highest level. It also generates revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, merchandise, and sponsorships.

In contrast, a CCO (Club Community Organisation) is the charitable or not-for-profit arm of a football club. Its purpose is to use the power of football to deliver social impact within the community. CCOs run programs focused on education, health, inclusion, employability, and youth engagement. While they often carry the branding of the football club and benefit from its popularity, CCOs operate independently, with separate governance, funding, and staff structures.

For example, in England, organisations like the Accrington Stanley Community Trust is a CCO that deliver programs benefiting thousands of people, regardless of whether they support the club.

In summary, while the football club competes on the pitch, the CCO works off the pitch to change lives in the community. Their missions are different but complementary, united by a shared identity and passion for football.

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