As the official charity of Accrington Stanley Football Club, ASCT has spent nearly two decades transforming lives across Hyndburn and the surrounding areas through sport, education, health, and social inclusion.

The journey of the Trust began in 2007 under the name “Football in the Community,” an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the club and its local fanbase. By 2010, the organisation had grown into an independent registered charity with a clear mission: to use the power of sport to improve the lives of those in Hyndburn through involvement in community programmes and initiatives

Over the years, ASCT has expanded its reach significantly, becoming a central figure in community development across Hyndburn.

Today, ASCT delivers a wide range of programs across four key areas:

  • Sports Participation: From holiday football camps and grassroots coaching to walking football and disability sports, the Trust provides inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active.
  • Education: In 2023 alone, 89 students enrolled in the Trust’s educational programs. These include college and university-level courses that combine academic study with football training, giving young people a unique pathway into sport, fitness, or further education.
  • Health & Wellbeing: ASCT promotes physical and mental health through a variety of initiatives — including mental health awareness campaigns, and activities designed for the elderly or those facing social isolation.
  • Social Inclusion: The Trust works tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind, offering support and engagement to underrepresented and vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities, seniors, and at-risk youth.

In 2024, ASCT reached over 21,000 individuals, ran 37 community projects, and even distributed 1,239 Accrington Stanley shirts to local schoolchildren as part of its youth engagement efforts.

In 2020, ASCT opened the doors to the Stanley Sports Hub, a £4 million state-of-the-art facility located on Thorneyholme Road. The Hub is equipped with a floodlit 3G pitch, classrooms, meeting spaces, and community areas — becoming a bustling centre for both sport and learning.

In 2024, the Trust was received a grant from Skybet to further develop the Hub with a 3G cage. This funding will enhance grassroots sports offerings and allow even more community organizations to benefit from the facility.

ASCT is governed by a diverse Volunteer Board of Trustees, chaired by local leader Purves Ali. Their collective expertise ensures the Trust remains aligned with both the community’s evolving needs and the football club’s core values.

Whether it’s helping someone take their first steps onto a football pitch, guiding a teenager into higher education, or supporting a senior through a health program, ASCT is there — embedded in the heart of Accrington, making a real difference.