Category: News

FA Comets Session

FA Comets Disability Football Sessions

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce the launch of its brand-new FREE FA Comets programme, creating an exciting opportunity for disabled children to enjoy football in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.

FA Comets is England Football’s recreational pan-disability football programme for children aged 5-11 with disabilities and additional needs. The sessions are designed to help children develop football skills, build confidence, make new friends and, most importantly, have fun in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Delivered by FA-qualified coaches with specialist disability football training, every session is tailored to the needs of those taking part, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy football at their own pace.

The free weekly sessions will begin on Tuesday 1st September and will then run every Tuesday from 5:00pm-6:00pm at Stanley Sports Hub, offering families across Hyndburn and the surrounding areas a fantastic opportunity to access inclusive football close to home.

Lee Walsh, Head of Sport & Health at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“We’re really excited to be launching FA Comets at Stanley Sports Hub. We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience the enjoyment and benefits of football, regardless of ability. These free sessions will provide a safe, friendly and inclusive environment where children can have fun, make friends, grow in confidence and develop new skills.”

The introduction of FA Comets further strengthens the Trust’s commitment to providing inclusive sporting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, complementing its existing disability football pathway and ensuring more young people can become involved in the game.

Parents and carers of children aged 5-11 with a disability or additional need are encouraged to register their place and come along to the first session.

Session Details

Start Date: Tuesday 1st September
Day: Every Tuesday
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Venue: Stanley Sports Hub
Age: 5-11 years
Cost: FREE

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

To register please complete this online form…

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

July 9, 2026

Trust Secures Funding for Life Skills & Employability Programme

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce that it has successfully secured funding from the Eric Wright Charitable Trust to deliver an exciting new programme aimed at supporting young people across Hyndburn with essential life skills and employability support.

The new initiative will work with Year 12 and Year 13 students from local colleges and sixth forms, helping them prepare for adulthood, employment, apprenticeships, and further education through a structured programme of workshops, practical activities, and team-building experiences.

The programme has been designed in response to growing demand for practical, real-world learning opportunities that sit alongside academic education. Young people taking part will gain valuable knowledge and confidence in key areas including personal finance, interview preparation, workplace expectations, healthy relationships, personal safety, and basic car maintenance.

Alongside classroom-based sessions, participants will also take part in an outdoor activity centre experience focused on teamwork, resilience, communication, and problem-solving.

The project will launch in August 2026 and is expected to support around 60 young people each year across a three-year period.

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

“We are incredibly grateful to the Eric Wright Charitable Trust for supporting this new programme. Transitioning from education into adulthood can be an overwhelming time for many young people, and we recognise the importance of providing practical skills and opportunities that help build confidence and resilience.

“This funding will allow us to create engaging, meaningful experiences that prepare young people for the realities of adult life, employment, and future pathways. We are excited to work alongside local colleges and sixth forms to make a positive difference to young people across Hyndburn.”

Accrington Stanley Community Trust has a long-standing commitment to supporting local communities through sport, education, health and wellbeing, and social inclusion programmes. The Trust currently engages with more than 21,000 beneficiaries annually across Lancashire.

July 8, 2026

Trustees Appoint Chair and Vice Chair at Annual General Meeting

Accrington Stanley Community Trust has confirmed its Chair and Vice Chair appointments following its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Trustees agreed that Purves Ali will continue as Chair of Trustees for a further two-year term, extending his leadership of the organisation through to 2028. Purves has played a significant role in supporting the Trust’s growth and development, helping to oversee the expansion of community programmes, facilities and partnerships that continue to make a positive difference across Hyndburn and the surrounding area.

The AGM also saw the appointment of Peter Leatham as Vice Chair of Trustees. Following a nomination process and vote by the Board, Peter was elected to the role and will serve alongside Purves for the next two years.

Peter has been a dedicated member of the Board and brings a wealth of experience, commitment and passion for the Trust’s mission. His appointment strengthens the Board’s leadership team at an exciting time for the organisation, with a number of major facility developments and community projects planned over the coming years.

Martin Fearon, Chief Executive of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“We are delighted that Purves has agreed to continue as Chair and that Peter has been appointed as Vice Chair. Both are hugely committed to the Trust and the communities we serve. Their leadership, experience and support will be invaluable as we continue to grow our impact and deliver ambitious projects that benefit local people.”

Purves Ali, Chair of Trustees, said:

“It is a privilege to continue serving as Chair of Accrington Stanley Community Trust. The organisation continues to go from strength to strength, delivering life-changing opportunities and support for people across our community. I am proud of what has been achieved so far and look forward to working with my fellow Trustees, staff and partners over the next two years as we continue to build on that success.”

Peter Leatham, Vice Chair of Trustees, added:

“I am honoured to have been appointed Vice Chair and would like to thank my fellow Trustees for their support. The Trust plays a vital role within our community and I am excited to support Purves, Martin and the wider team as we continue to develop new opportunities, strengthen partnerships and increase our impact across the borough.”

The AGM also provided an opportunity for Trustees to reflect on another successful year for the charity and to look ahead to a number of exciting developments, including new sporting facilities, community programmes and partnership opportunities that will further strengthen the Trust’s work across the borough.

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 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

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