Accrington Stanley Community Trust Unveil £1.6m Plans for New Grassroots Football Facility

Accrington Stanley Community Trust has announced plans to develop a £1.6m football facility in Accrington.

Subject to approval, the site will be built on Livingstone Road near the Wham Stadium, home of Accrington Stanley.

The trust is working alongside the Football Foundation and Hyndburn Borough Council to secure funding, with a planning application expected in the coming months.

Plans for the facility include a floodlit full-size 3G pitch, a natural grass pitch, parking and a modular building with catering and toilet facilities.

To enable the development, current leaseholders Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC will vacate the site, allowing the trust to secure long-term control and access external funding.

Chairman Craig Jenel said: "We are proud to have played a role in developing football at Livingstone Road over many years, and we fully support these plans to take the site to the next level.

"Working alongside Accrington Stanley Community Trust, we believe this project will deliver a first-class facility for the local community and grassroots game.

"While stepping away from our current lease is a significant decision, it is the right one to ensure the long-term future and sustainability of the site.

"We look forward to continuing to work in partnership and supporting the success of this exciting new development."

Warren Eastham, chief executive of Accrington Stanley and trustee of the trust, highlighted the importance of grassroots investment, saying he hopes the plans will get kids "off their Xboxes and back out playing sports".

He said: "Grassroots football is the very lifeblood of the entire football pyramid.

"When games are being called off week after week and leagues are disrupted because teams can’t complete fixtures, it highlights the urgent need for better facilities.

"That’s why this project is so important.

"The Football Foundation, our Community Trust, Hyndburn Borough Council and the grassroots game are all coming together with a shared purpose to make a real, lasting difference for people across the borough.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing the plans come to life, getting children off their Xboxes and back out playing sport, where they belong.

"It’s also fantastic to see continued investment into the town from the Football Foundation, underlining their commitment to our community and the future of the game."

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

Chief executive Martin Fearon added: "This is a hugely exciting development for both Accrington Stanley Community Trust and the local community.

"The Livingstone Road project represents a significant step forward in our long-term ambition to enhance local sports infrastructure and provide high-quality facilities that can support participation at all levels.

"We are pleased to be working closely with the Football Foundation and Hyndburn Council to bring this project forward, and to be collaborating with Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC to deliver a facility that builds on the strong foundations already in place at the site."