Stanley Sports Hub has been selected as a proposed Team Base Camp in UK & Ireland’s bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is delighted to announce that the Stanley Sports Hub has been included as a proposed Team Base Camp within the UK & Ireland’s official bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.
Team Base Camps provide elite training, preparation, and recovery environments for the 48 competing nations. Being identified as a potential location is a significant moment for both the Trust and the wider Hyndburn community.
This selection reflects a growing reputation for hosting elite international teams. The Stanley Sports Hub previously served as a Team Base Camp for Italy Women during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament, providing high-quality facilities throughout their stay. The Hub has also been selected as part of the UK & Ireland’s bid to host the UEFA Men’s EURO 2028, further demonstrating its capability and national relevance.
The joint 2035 bid, submitted by the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales on Friday 28th November aims to bring the Women’s World Cup to the UK & Ireland for the first time in history. If successful, it would be the largest single-sport event ever delivered on home soil, and the first FIFA World Cup of any kind hosted here since 1966.
With an anticipated 4.5 million ticket sales and 3.5 billion global viewers, the 2035 tournament promises to inspire communities across the Home Nations and elevate the women’s game on an unprecedented scale. Built around the message “All Together”, the bid is committed to unity, opportunity, and empowering participation at every level.
The tournament would feature 104 matches across 39 days, supported by 48 Team Base Camps, 82 venue-specific training sites, and 32 proposed FIFA Fan Festival locations. The inclusion of the Stanley Sports Hub reinforces the Trust’s ongoing investment in high-quality facilities for both grassroots and elite sport.
Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“We are incredibly proud that the Stanley Sports Hub has once again been recognised at the highest level of international sport. Our experience hosting Italy Women during UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and our role in the UEFA Men’s EURO 2028 bid demonstrate the strength of our facilities and our commitment to supporting the growth of the game.”
“Being considered as a Team Base Camp for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 would bring tremendous inspiration and opportunity to Accrington. It would allow us to showcase the rapid rise of women’s football, engage our community, and encourage future generations to get involved.”
This landmark opportunity aligns with the Trust’s vision to create outstanding sporting environments in Hyndburn and beyond, supporting participation, performance, and lasting legacy for the women’s game.