A Community-Led Legacy Since 2007

Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proof that football is so much more than just a game. Based at the impressive Stanley Sports Hub on Thorneyholme Road, Accrington, this award winning charity has been kicking goals both on and off the pitch since 2007.

Originally founded as Football in the Community, the Trust began with one simple mission, to bring Accrington Stanley Football Club closer to the people of Hyndburn. And let’s just say, mission accomplished!

Making a Real Difference

The Trust now delivers over 15,000 community engagements every year, working across four powerful pillars:

• Sports Participation
• Education
• Health & Wellbeing
• Social Inclusion

From tots to teens, parents to pensioners, the Trust offers activities that are welcoming, inclusive, and designed to improve lives. Whether it’s boosting confidence, creating opportunities, or helping people feel part of something, their impact is felt far and wide.

Education That Opens Doors

Education is at the heart of what the Trust does, and the results speak for themselves. Working closely with local schools, the Trust inspires young people through unique projects that go beyond the classroom.

From sports-based learning to alternative education programmes, they’re opening pathways to college, university, and employment. They don’t just tick boxes, they transform futures.

With a proud track record of helping individuals progress into higher education, the Trust continues to deliver inspiring, creative and impactful education opportunities to those who need it most.

Educational pathways include:

• Adult Education Programmes (19+) – develop new skills or gain qualifications later in life
• Primary Stars – in-school support using sport to boost literacy, numeracy and wellbeing
• Football College – full-time sports courses with expert coaching and academic learning for 16 to 19 year olds
• Foundation Degree (19+) – higher education right at the heart of the community, in partnership with leading universities

What’s On Offer?

Services run seven days a week, including:

• School holiday camps including popular camps to keep children active, entertained and engaged
• BTEC sport qualifications
• Mental health and fitness sessions
• Walking football and inclusive sports
• Youth engagement and mentoring programmes

All of this is hosted at the modern Stanley Sports Hub, a £4 million facility with a full-size 3G pitch, fully equipped classrooms, meeting spaces and more.

Business Backing the Community

Local businesses also have a huge part to play and that’s where the Business Club membership comes in.

By joining, businesses can support vital programmes that boost health, education and inclusion across Hyndburn, while enjoying some brilliant perks:

• Free or discounted room hire at the Stanley Sports Hub
• Access to professional spaces for meetings, training or events
• Invitations to exclusive networking events with fellow Business Club members

It’s the ideal way to meet your corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals while connecting with the community and other like-minded local organisations.

Partnership at the Core

Accrington Stanley Community Trust’s success is built on strong partnerships with councils, schools, the NHS, and the Football League Trust. These relationships ensure that everything they do is aligned to both local needs and national strategies.

“Our mission is to support the local community regardless of age, gender, race, religion or skill level and promote a healthier lifestyle through sport and education by encouraging individuals to take part in fun-based activities, which develop confidence, co-operation and education.”

Get Involved

Whether you're a local parent, teacher, business owner or community member – Accrington Stanley Community Trust has a place for you.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust – changing lives, building futures, and proving that football can do far more than just score goals.