Accrington Stanley Secures £100k Grant from Building Foundations Fund

Accrington Stanley First EFL Club to Receive Maximum Grant

In a landmark achievement, Accrington Stanley has become the first EFL club to secure a maximum grant of £100,000 from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund. This funding is part of the latest round of awards aimed at bolstering football community projects across England and Wales.

About Accrington Stanley

With a rich history spanning nearly 140 years, Accrington Stanley is a celebrated football club located in Lancashire. The funding will provide vital financial support to its Club Community Organisation (CCO), enabling the construction of a new small-sided 3G pitch at the Stanley Sports Hub facility.

The Vision Behind the Funding

The Stanley Sports Hub currently serves numerous local grassroots clubs, sports groups, and organizations. It is also recognized as a training venue for the successful bid to host the 2028 European Championships in the UK and Ireland. The construction of the new pitch is already underway and is anticipated to significantly increase football participation across various demographics, including disabled groups and sessions for individuals over 50.

Community Impact

Andy Holt, the chair of Accrington Stanley, emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, "Community is key for every football club and this £100,000 grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund is absolutely massive for the Hyndburn community. The new 3G pitch at the Stanley Sports Hub is now fully constructed, and it will mean more groups of every age and ability can use the excellent facilities that the Accrington Stanley Community Trust provides."

Funding for Other Clubs

Accrington Stanley was among seven clubs to benefit from this recent funding round. Other recipients include:

• Rotherham United: Awarded £65,600 to redevelop their Parkgate astro pitch.
• Stevenage: Funded for a branded vehicle to transport the StreetStadia portable pitch to local communities.
• Walsall: Support for their "Back On Your Feet" program, designed to help individuals overcome unemployment and close the skills gap.
• Crawley Town, Notts County, and Watford: Various funding approvals to enhance local community sports facilities.

Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund

The Building Foundations Fund was launched by Sky Bet in collaboration with the EFL to strengthen new and existing community projects. The initiative reflects Sky Bet's commitment to invest a substantial £6 million over six years, furthering community engagement and support in football.

Conclusion

This significant funding milestone for Accrington Stanley not only enhances facilities but also promotes an inclusive football culture, enabling greater community participation in sports. As the club continues to grow and give back to its local area, the impact of this investment is sure to resonate for years to come.