Accrington Stanley Football Club, in association with Accrington Stanley Community Trust, is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new Youth Team from the 2026/2027 season.

The new Youth Team is aimed at talented players with a history in academy football who are seeking a pathway back into the professional game. The programme will combine elite-level coaching with an education offer based at the £4m Stanley Sports Hub, training alongside the Accrington Stanley First Team.

Players in the programme will benefit from:

  • Full-time training under UEFA-qualified coaches.
  • Competitive fixtures in the National League U19 Alliance.
  • Compete in the FA Youth Cup.
  • BTEC L3 in Sport Course delivered alongside football development.
  • Access to the first-team training environment and facilities.
  • Consideration for a professional football contract with Accrington Stanley FC.

Over the course of the 2025/2026 season Accrington Stanley Football Club and Accrington Stanley Community Trust will create an U16s Weekly Training Group.

This group will train regularly at the Stanley Sports Hub under the guidance of Accrington Stanley Football Club Captain, Seamus Conneely and other UEFA coaches, providing players with high-quality development in preparation for the step up to competitive youth football. There will also be a number of friendly fixtures arranged throughout the season.

Towards the end of the season, standout players will have the opportunity to secure a two-year scholarship place, beginning in July 2026, and join the club’s full time Youth Team squad.

Trial Dates:
📍 Stanley Sports Hub
🗓 Tuesday 16th September, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
🗓 Tuesday 23rd September, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Accrington Stanley Football Club Owner, Andy Holt said:

“This new youth team is a significant step in developing homegrown talent and ensuring local players have a clear route to progress into our first team. Having had to reluctantly close our academy last season due to financial implications, there has been a gap in the pathway to the first team and this programme now fills that gap.

By working in partnership with Accrington Stanley Community Trust, the new setup is fully sustainable and does not put financial pressure on the football club. This approach brings together football excellence and education, giving young people the tools to succeed both on and off the pitch.”

Accrington Stanley Community Trust CEO, Martin Fearon added:

“We are excited to provide this unique opportunity for aspiring footballers in the area. As someone local who progressed through the club’s U18s into the first team, I know just how vital this pathway can be for talented young players. Combining a high-level football programme with academic study ensures our players have a bright future, whether in professional sport or beyond.”

Young players currently in year 11 who wish to register for trials can visit https://forms.gle/agqV47jLBpuxNyim7 or contact stefan.wilson@stanleytrust.co.uk for further details.