Martin Fearon – Chief Executive Officer
(martin.fearon@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Martin is the Chief Executive Officer of Accrington Stanley Community Trust and has over 10 years’ experience in community development work. He joined the organisation under its original format in 2008 before making the transition to the charitable organisation which was set up in September 2010. A former Professional Footballer at Accrington Stanley and current Semi Professional Footballer having played for teams such as Chester FC, Lancaster City and Skelmersdale United. Martin holds the UEFA ‘B’ licence coaching qualification and also worked as a Goalkeeping Coach within the Academy at Accrington Stanley. Martin has excellent knowledge of the local community and will be continuing to provide opportunities through the Trust for the people of Hyndburn to access.
Lee Walsh – Head of Sport
(lee.walsh@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Lee joined Accrington Stanley Community Trust in March 2013 having previously worked for 12 months as a casual coach. Lee is Head of Sport having worked in a couple of different roles at the Trust over the years. A multi skills coach with football and rounder’s qualifications as well as a BSc (Hons) Degree in Sport Development from Edge Hill University, he is a vital member of the team. Having worked in sport with children and young people in various areas across the North West including Skelmersdale, Bolton, Burnley and Accrington he brings lots of experience to the role. Lee has also spent a lot of time working with young people who have special educational needs across the region as well as being a youth worker. Having grown up locally, he knows the Hyndburn area very well, has supported Accrington Stanley all of his life and working for Accrington Stanley Community Trust is his dream job. Lee will look to establish, maintain and develop links in the local area and provide sporting opportunities inclusive to everybody in the area.
Greg Aspin – Head of Education
(greg.aspin@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Greg joined Accrington Stanley Community Trust as a tutor on our BTEC Football Education Scholarship Programme in April 2016. Before training to become a tutor Greg worked as a strength and conditioning coach with athletes from a range of sports including football, rugby and American football and continues to work with competitors from strengths sports such as power-lifting and strongman. Greg graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a BA (Hons) in Sport Coaching and then went onto complete a PGCE in post compulsory education and a MA in Sports Coaching. Greg has taught further and higher education sport across Lancashire, and joined from Myerscough College. Greg is now the Head of Education and will take a lead role on all BTEC courses.
Sarah Hunt – Marketing and Communications Administrator
Sarah started in April 2016 as the Marketing and Communications Administrator. She has a degree in Marketing, Communications and Culture at Keele University and has previously worked in an administrator role at Blackburn Rovers Football Club. She is looking forward to help bring the positive benefits of sports to the local community and build the confidence of local children along the way.
Elle Kayley – Female Football Development Officer
(elle.kayley@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Elle joined Accrington Stanley Community Trust as Female Football Development Officer in August 2016 having previously worked for 7 months as a casual coach. Elle graduated from Northumbria University with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Sport, Exercise and Nutrition and holds the FA Level 2 Badge, FA Youth Modules 1 and 2 amongst other coaching qualifications. Elle is responsible for developing and delivering all female football participation that takes place within Accrington Stanley Community Trust. Elle has had a lot of experience in working with children and coaching football including volunteering for Blackburn Rovers Girls Centre of Excellence, as well as working for other companies that specialise in sports coaching. Elle will look to encourage young girls who want to strive in football by providing more opportunities and increase their love of the game.
Josh Cooper – Community Sports Officer
(Josh.Cooper@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Josh joined Accrington Stanley community trust full time in August 2016 having previously been a casual coach for around 12 months. He has great experience in coaching all sports having been coaching for the last 8 years in a school environment and in grassroots football. Josh’s qualifications include a Masters degree in sports coaching, AFPE level 3, level 2 certificates in coaching football and multi skills, FA Youth Award Modules 1 and 2 plus basketball awards and he is always looking to add to this list. Josh will be responsible for delivering the Kinder Sport move and learn project, where he will build awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and promote an active lifestyle among children.
Jake Francis – Education and Sports Tutor
(jake.francis@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Jake joined Accrington Stanley Community Trust as a tutor on our BTEC Level 2 Football Education Scholarship Programme in September 2015. Jake has completed a PGCE and is a fully qualified tutor in Further Education; he also graduated from UCLan with a Ba (Hons) in Sports Coaching prior to his PGCE. Jake has multiple years of voluntary coaching experience in an array of sports and martial arts while also being an FA qualified football coach and primary athletics coach. Jake will be looking to develop the Level 2 learners and extend their knowledge onto the BTEC level 3 upon successful completion of the Level 2 programme.
Matt Parkinson – Football Development Officer
(matt.parkinson@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Matt joined Accrington Stanley Community Trust as Football Development Officer in April 2016 having previously worked as a Sports Coach within the organisation. He is responsible for the practical development of the Football Education Scholarship through training sessions, match days and recruitment of new students. Matt has experience coaching a variety of age ranges and cultures through his time in the United States. He is a UEFA ‘B’ qualified coach and holds the Youth Award: Module 3. Matt gained a degree in Coach Education (BSc) from Edge Hill University. He is also a Foundation Phase Academy coach for Accrington Stanley Football Club.
Harry Chandler – Youth Engagement Officer
(harry.chandler@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Harry joined Accrington Stanley Community Trust as a Youth Engagement Officer in September 2017 having recently graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a BA Hons Degree in Sports Studies. Over his time at university Harry completed a range of modules relating to sports development and coaching. Having completed placements at the likes of Bury FC, Blackburn Rovers FC and the Youth Sport Trust he brings a wealth of knowledge of the footballing and Sports Development Industry. In his spare time Harry enjoys playing rugby and getting involved in as much volunteering as possible.
Olivia Canty – Youth Engagement Officer
(olivia.canty@stanleytrust.co.uk)
Olivia joined Accrington Stanley Community Trust as a Youth Engagement Officer in April 2018 after gaining a degree in Sport & Exercise Science (BSc) from the University of Central Lancashire. Alongside the degree, Olivia completed a six month voluntary role as a sports coordinator in a local primary school and lead football, netball and cricket coaching sessions. Olivia’s hobbies include watching football and playing netball. She is looking forward to developing her skills and getting more involved with the local area to make the National Citizen Service programme a success.
We also employ a number of casual coaches who deliver a variety of sessions for us in the community.
All of our coaches have:
- Enhanced CRB
- FA first aid qualifications
- FA child protection certificates
- FA safeguarding children certificates
We also have coaches who specialise in:
- Multi-Skills
- Cricket
- Netball
- Tag Rugby
- Uni Hoc
- Basketball
- Performing Arts
All of our sessions:
- Are planned in advance
- Are designed to teach children new techniques and skills
- Include warm-up and cool down exercises
- Include small-sided games
- Are inventive and we are always looking to pioneer new ideas
- Underpinned by a foundation of enjoyment, learning and FUN!
Winstanley – Accrington Stanley Mascot
The 2nd June 2009 would have been a normal working day for all at Accrington Stanley. However, this was not to be the case. On arrival at the Stadium the grounds man noticed an animal on the middle of the pitch! As he walked over he saw tiny feet, a short tail and a soft coat. He soon realised this was a new born puppy. This puppy was adopted by Accrington Stanley and named as our mascot – Winstanley the bulldog
Within weeks, the new arrival was running around, playing fetch with a ball, jumping over rocks and playing games with the older dogs. “He’s so friendly,” said passers-by.
Over time, it became obvious that Winstanley was no normal dog, and that there just wasn’t enough to keep him entertained.
“What shall we do with Winstanley? I’ve never seen a dog with so much energy!” said the Grounds man. “What about the team at Accrington Stanley Community Trust? They provide lots of activities and see thousands of children for Winstanley to interact with,” explained the Manager.
So it was decided Winstanley would live with the ASCT team at the Crown Ground, spending time visiting and playing sport with children across East Lancashire.
And in case you haven’t guessed, I’m Winstanley, and this is my story! I am really excited about being here, so I hope you’ll come and play and give me lots of new adventures!
Date of birth: 02 June 2009
Height: 1.75m
Shoe size: 15 (roughly!)
Home town: Accrington
Hobbies: Playing all sports and meeting new friends
Favourite food: Dog Biscuits and Treats
Advice to children: “Enjoy sport, be active and listen to your parents!”
Tag Line: Participate – Develop = Achieve