Free Community Football 2026!
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to be launching a free Summer Community Football Programme for young people across Hyndburn this summer, thanks to funding from thanks to funding from the Pride in Place programme.
The five-week programme will run from Monday 15th June to Friday 17th July 2026, providing free football sessions for young people aged 8-17 at locations across the borough during the FIFA World Cup period.
Delivered by Accrington Stanley Community Trust coaches, the sessions will provide a safe and enjoyable environment for young people to play football, develop their skills, socialise with friends and stay active throughout the summer.
Alongside the football activities, the programme will support Hyndburn’s Pride in Place initiative by engaging with young people and their families to gather feedback on the future of the borough and how a £20 million government investment can best benefit local communities.
Sami Smithson, Chair of the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board, said:
“The engagement activities that Accrington Stanley Community Trust will deliver during the World Cup period are part of the Pride in Place programme, helping us continue to engage with young people in the area that will benefit from the £20 million government investment.
The voice of young people is central to this work. We want to ensure the investment helps create a brighter future, giving them opportunities to be proud of where they live, grow up and contribute to as they mature.
Sport and physical activity are powerful ways to connect with young people, and I’m passionate about the role they can play. We trust the coaches at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, who do fantastic work in the community, to build on their relationships to gather valuable feedback on what young people and their families would like to see from this investment, helping Accrington thrive for this generation and those to come.”
Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, added:
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Pride In Place to deliver this programme. The sessions will provide free football opportunities for young people across the borough while also giving them a platform to have their say on the future of their communities.
Our coaches have built strong relationships with young people and families across Hyndburn, and we’re looking forward to using those connections to support the Pride in Place programme while delivering enjoyable football sessions throughout the summer.”
While we are accepting children and young people that attend on the night it would help us massively if you could pre-register below. This will allow us to plan staffing and sessions accordingly.
For more information, please contact Accrington Stanley Community Trust on 01254 475013.
Whalley to represent Stanley
Accrington Stanley will be represented by Whalley primary school at this year’s Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament.
Held at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium, the Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament is one of the competition elements of the Premier League Primary Stars programme.
Primary school children representing 20 Premier League, English Football League and National League clubs from the 2025/26 season will take part in a group-stage competition, before knockout matches commence to determine the winners. Altrincham are the current title holders, having won the tournament in 2025.
Premier League Foundation Chief Executive Alex White said: “The Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament is a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy their own Premier League matchday experience, proudly representing their clubs in team kit.
“We hope that everyone taking part at Molineux has a brilliant time playing competitive football, connecting with teams from across the country and building friendships while creating lasting memories.”
Thousands of girls representing more than 100 professional football clubs [JO1] from across England and Wales competed for their chance to represent their respective clubs in this year’s tournament. Participating teams have already won regional heats, earning the chance to play at Molineux Stadium, in the official kit of their professional football club.
The tournament will give those taking part the opportunity to experience what it is like to play football on a Premier League standard pitch and compete under the watchful eye of Premier League and Women’s Super League match officials.
Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme that supports children to learn through the power of football in more than 19,000 primary schools (86%) across England and Wales. Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Foundation, the programme uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.
A total of 104 professional football clubs from across the leagues currently deliver in-classroom Premier League Primary Stars sessions within their local communities.
The free programme also provides teachers with downloadable resources across a range of curriculum subjects at Key Stage 1 (age 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (age 7-11), developed by teachers for teachers to support children to develop skills and values that are crucial to success in later life. More than 79,000 teachers from over 19,000 primary schools have signed up to access these online resources to date.
To find out more, please visit www.premierleague.com/foundation/premier-league-primary-stars
Kellogg’s Football Camps
Trust to Deliver Official EFL Kellogg’s Football Camps This Summer
We are proud to announce that it will once again be delivering the official EFL Kellogg’s Football Camps this summer, providing local children with the opportunity to stay active, develop their football skills, and have fun during the school holidays.
Delivered in partnership with the English Football League and headline sponsor Kellogg’s, the camps are designed to offer high-quality, inclusive football sessions for boys and girls of all abilities. The programme focuses on developing fundamental skills, promoting teamwork, and encouraging a lifelong love of the game in a safe and supportive environment.
Running throughout the summer holidays, the camps will feature a range of engaging activities including technical training sessions, small-sided games, and fun challenges — all led by FA-qualified coaches from Accrington Stanley Community Trust.
Lee Walsh – Head of Sport & Health explains…
“We’re delighted to be part of the EFL Kellogg’s Football Camps programme again this year. These camps are a fantastic way for young people in our community to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy football in a positive environment. We’re looking forward to welcoming participants of all abilities across the summer.”
Parents and guardians can book places for the camps online via the official EFL website, with a range of dates and venues available to suit families across the local area.
As part of the Kellogg’s promotion, families can also access free camp places by purchasing a promotional pack of Kellogg’s cereal and scanning the QR code on the box to redeem their place, helping to make football more accessible to communities nationwide.
Job Vacancy
Community Engagement Officer
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is excited to be recruiting for a Community Engagement Officer to join our growing team.
As the official charity of Accrington Stanley Football Club, we are committed to using the power of sport to make a positive difference across Hyndburn. Each year, we engage with thousands of people through programmes that support health, education and community development.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to play a key role in delivering impactful community projects, working with both young people and adults to help raise confidence, improve wellbeing and support personal development.
The role will involve delivering a range of established programmes, including:
Veterans Support Hub
Future Focus
Street Soccer Academy
United Together
Based at our Stanley Sports Hub, the successful candidate will support the ongoing development and delivery of our community engagement provision, helping us continue to make a real difference across the local area.
If you are passionate about working within the community and want to be part of a forward-thinking organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Please see link for more information – Community Engagement Officer – JD
Women’s Walking Football Festival
Accrington Stanley Community Trust Invites Women to Try Something New at Walking Football Festival
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is inviting women of all ages and abilities to come along and “give it a go” at the upcoming DES Group Women’s Walking Football Festival.
Taking place at the Stanley Sports Hub on Wednesday 13th May, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, the free event celebrates International Women’s Day by encouraging more women to get active in a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment.
Whether you’ve played football before or are trying it for the very first time, the festival is open to everyone. Walking football is a slower-paced version of the game, making it perfect for beginners, those returning to sport, or anyone simply looking to meet new people and enjoy being active.
Lunch will also be provided, giving participants the chance to relax and socialise after the session.
The event is supported by DES Group, Vital Energi, and Northern Lights Parkinson’s Support Group, all working together to promote health, wellbeing, and community inclusion.
Lee Walsh, Head of Sport and Health at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“This event is all about creating a welcoming space where any woman can come along, have a go, and enjoy themselves. You don’t need any experience — just bring yourself and a willingness to try something new. We’d love to see as many women as possible come down and get involved.”
The event will take place at:
Stanley Sports Hub
Thorneyholme Road
Accrington BB5 6BD
Women interested in attending are encouraged to come along, get involved, and experience the benefits of walking football firsthand.
To register to attend plase complete this short form…
May 1/2 Term Holiday Camps
May Half-Term Holiday Camps Return to Stanley Sports Hub
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce the return of our popular May Half-Term Holiday Camps, taking place from Tuesday 26th to Friday 29th May at the Stanley Sports Hub.
Designed for children aged 4–12, our holiday provision offers a safe, engaging and inclusive environment where young people can stay active, make friends and enjoy their school break.
Football Camp – Learn, Play and Improve ⚽
Our Football Camp provides fun, friendly sessions led by our experienced and qualified coaches. Whether your child is new to the game or already football-mad, sessions are tailored to develop skills, confidence and teamwork in a supportive setting.
Players will take part in:
- Skill-based drills and challenges
- Small-sided games
- Fun competitions
- Team-building activities
It’s the perfect opportunity for young footballers to learn new skills, stay active and enjoy the game.
Activity Camp – Something for Everyone 🎨
Alongside football, our Activity Camp offers a wide variety of activities to keep children entertained throughout the week. From arts and crafts to fun games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Activities include:
- Creative arts and crafts
- Group games and challenges
- Indoor and outdoor activities
- Social and confidence-building sessions
This camp is ideal for children who enjoy a mix of creativity, play and social interaction.
Book Your Place
Both camps will be delivered at the Stanley Sports Hub, providing excellent facilities for children to learn and play in a safe environment.
Spaces are limited and always fill quickly, so we encourage parents and carers to book early to avoid disappointment.
👉 Book online now: https://portal.sportskey.com/venues/accrington-stanley-sports-hub/events/VZ8WFZ
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 Thursday 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
Accrington Stanley Community Takeover a Huge Success on Good Friday
Participants, families, and local businesses came together in fantastic numbers this Good Friday as the much-anticipated Accrington Stanley Community Takeover proved a resounding success.
Held at the heart of the community at the Wham Stadium, the event transformed the day into a vibrant celebration of local pride, participation, and togetherness. With a wide range of activities on offer, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights included a half-time session featuring Huncoat United and Oswaldtwistle Juniors FC, as well as children’s activities in the Fan Zone. Families also enjoyed a special lunch at Stanley Sports Hub, adding to the community feel of the day.
Adding to the excitement, Accrington Stanley’s first team delivered a brilliant performance on the pitch, securing a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Freddie Sass and Seamus Conneely. Supporters had even more reason to celebrate as the squad wore a special one-off shirt featuring the Accrington Stanley Community Trust logo. These shirts will now be auctioned to raise funds for the Trust’s vital work.
The Accrington Stanley Community Takeover was organised to bring people together and showcase the power of community-led initiatives. More than 2,000 attendees enjoyed the matchday experience and engaged with the work of the Community Trust throughout the day.
One of the standout features of the event was the strong turnout from a wide range of community groups. Participants from the Over 50’s programme, Stanley V Cancer, and local Veterans were all in attendance. Their involvement highlighted the inclusive nature of the day and the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting people of all ages and backgrounds.
Families were also out in force, with children taking part in a walk to the match, creating a fantastic pre-game atmosphere.
Event organisers praised the incredible support from the local community. Joanna Williams, Partnerships & Fundraising Manager, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many people coming together and making the most of everything on offer. Events like this show the real strength of our community and what can be achieved when we work in partnership to create opportunities for everyone.”
As the day drew to a close, there was a shared sense of achievement and pride among everyone involved. The success of the Accrington Stanley Community Takeover has already sparked conversations about future events, with plans to build on this momentum and continue creating opportunities for residents to connect and thrive.
With smiles all around and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the event has firmly cemented itself as a highlight in the local community calendar.
Trust Publishes 2025 Impact Report
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to announce the release of its 2025 Impact Report, showcasing a year of continued growth, innovation and meaningful impact across Hyndburn.
During the past year, the Trust engaged 20,187 individuals through its sport, education, health and community programmes, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to improving lives and creating opportunities for people of all ages.
The report highlights another successful year for the charity, with over £1.4 million secured to support vital community initiatives and 37 projects delivered across the borough, addressing key local challenges including health inequalities, education and social inclusion.
Key achievements from 2025 include:
- 20,187 participants engaged across all programmes
- £1,409,075 raised to support community delivery
- 37 projects delivered across Hyndburn
- More than 512 children supported through holiday provision
- 110 students enrolled on college and university courses
- 1,248 free Accrington Stanley shirts distributed to local children
The report also celebrates 15 years of impact for the Trust, alongside the development of new projects and strong partnerships that continue to support its work across the community.
As the award-winning official charity of Accrington Stanley Football Club, the Trust remains at the heart of the local community, delivering inclusive programmes that promote healthier lifestyles, raise aspirations and create lasting change.
Chief Executive Martin Fearon said:
“We are incredibly proud of the difference we continue to make across Hyndburn. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the strength of our partnerships, and the real impact our programmes have on people’s lives. We remain committed to supporting our community and creating even more opportunities in the years ahead.”
The report also outlines ambitious plans for the future, including the expansion of programmes, development of new partnerships, and continued investment in facilities such as the Stanley Sports Hub.
To read the full 2025 Impact Report, visit:
https://www.stanleytrust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2025-ASCT-Impact-Report-Layout.pdf