Accrington Stanley Secures £100k from Building Foundations Fund for Community Projects

Accrington Stanley Makes History with Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund

Accrington Stanley has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first English Football League (EFL) club to secure the maximum £100,000 grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund. This funding initiative aims to bolster community football projects across England and Wales.

About Accrington Stanley and the Grant

With a rich history spanning almost 140 years, Accrington Stanley is one of seven clubs receiving essential funding in the second round of awards since the fund's establishment last season. The club's Club Community Organisation (CCO) will utilize this grant to develop a new small-sided 3G pitch at the Stanley Sports Hub, a facility already popular among local grassroots clubs and sports organizations.

The Impact of the New 3G Pitch

The construction of the new pitch is already underway, promising to significantly increase participation in football from diverse community groups, including:

• Disabled groups
• Community sessions for over 50s
• Youth training sessions

The Stanley Sports Hub will also serve as a training venue for the UK and Ireland's successful bid to host the 2028 European Championships.

Community Perspectives

Accrington Stanley chair Andy Holt expressed the importance of community in football, 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." He emphasized that the new pitch will enable more groups of various ages and abilities to utilize the excellent facilities provided by the Accrington Stanley Community Trust.

Other Successful Clubs in the Second Round

In addition to Accrington Stanley, several other clubs including Rotherham United, Stevenage, Walsall, Crawley Town, Watford, and Notts County also received grants in this funding round. Highlights include:

• Rotherham United: £65,600 allocated for the redevelopment of the Parkgate astro pitch.
• Stevenage: Funding designated for a branded vehicle to transport the Stevenage FC Foundation's StreetStadia portable pitch to local communities.
• Walsall: Support for their 'Back On Your Feet' program, aimed at tackling unemployment and addressing the skills gap in the local community.
• Crawley Town, Notts County, and Watford: Various funding levels directed towards projects such as Crawley's 3G ball court refurbishment and upgrades to community centers.

Conclusion

The Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, established in partnership with Sky Bet, is dedicated to supporting and enhancing both new and existing community projects. With an investment commitment of £6 million over six years, the fund aims to uplift local football clubs and their communities while fostering growth, participation, and well-being across the board.