Accrington Stanley Secures £100k Grant from Building Foundations Fund

Accrington Stanley Leads the Way with Major Grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund

Accrington Stanley has made history by becoming the first club in the English Football League (EFL) to secure a maximum grant of £100,000 from the esteemed Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund. This significant funding is set to empower various community projects across England and Wales, enhancing the reach and development of grassroots football.

About Accrington Stanley and the Funding Award

With a rich history spanning nearly 140 years, Accrington Stanley is proud to be one of seven clubs that have benefited from the second round of funding through this initiative. The funds will be utilized to construct a brand new small-sided 3G pitch at the Stanley Sports Hub, a facility already utilized by numerous local grassroots clubs and sports organizations. This hub also serves as a training venue in the UK and Ireland's successful bid to host the 2028 European Championships.

Impact of the New 3G Pitch

The construction of the new pitch is already underway and is anticipated to greatly increase participation in football. This facility will cater to various groups, including:

• Disabled groups
• Community sessions for individuals over 50
• Youth teams and local clubs

Andy Holt, the chair of Accrington Stanley, emphasized the importance of community, stating that this grant is vital for the Hyndburn community, ensuring inclusive access to quality sports facilities for all ages and abilities.

Support for Community Projects Across Clubs

The Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund was established to promote and support both new and existing community projects upon extending their title partnership with the EFL last year. Sky Bet has committed a substantial investment of £6 million over six years to ensure the success of the initiative.

Other clubs that have been awarded funding in this round include:

• Rotherham United: Secured £65,600 for the redevelopment of their Parkgate astro pitch.
• Stevenage: Funds will be used for purchasing a branded vehicle for transporting the FC Foundation's StreetStadia portable pitch.
• Walsall: Will invest in their 'Back On Your Feet' program to address unemployment and support individuals back into work.
• Crawley Town, Notts County, and Watford: Received funding for various upgrades to community facilities, including a new 3G ball court and maintenance of local centers.

Conclusion

The grant awarded to Accrington Stanley and other clubs highlights the ongoing commitment to community engagement within football. By nurturing grassroots initiatives, the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund is making a significant difference in local communities, enhancing sports participation and overall community wellbeing.