Accrington Academy is proud to announce the completion of its outstanding new 3G pitch upgrade, a state-of-the-art facility that is set to benefit a whole cohort of users. The newly enhanced pitch caters to multiple formats, including 5-a-side, 6-a-side, 7-a-side, 9-a-side, and the traditional 11-a-side, making it one of the most versatile sports facilities in the region.
The Academy, working alongside the Football Foundation, has successfully increased opportunities for girls’ and women’s football, with Accrington Stanley Women’s and Girls’ Football Club proudly making this their home of choice. In addition, over 15 grassroots clubs have secured training slots at the site, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to supporting community sports development.
Principal of Accrington Academy, Jamie Peel, who was instrumental in securing the funding for this upgrade, expressed immense pride in the new facility. “We are really proud to offer such a high-end 3G pitch—it has been a much-needed addition to the Hyndburn area. Local teams have told us how relieved they are to have access to a facility that meets their needs. Grassroots football is at the heart of so many families, with evenings and weekends dedicated to supporting youth teams, and we’re delighted to be able to provide a top-tier venue for their development.”
Hyndburn Leisure, which manages the leisure facility on behalf of Accrington Academy, is extremely pleased that the upgrade was given the green light, allowing local leagues to utilise the pitch for matches and training sessions. Nicola Kellett, Area Operations Manager at Hyndburn Leisure, spoke of the immediate uptake of the facility, highlighting the growing demand for high-quality football spaces in East Lancashire, where the sport remains a dominant community activity.
“The response has been fantastic,” said Nicola. “It just goes to show how much these facilities are needed in the area. We have also welcomed other sports teams, including the local rugby club, the Wildcats, who use the pitch for training. While availability is limited, there are still some slots remaining for interested clubs
The facility will also serve as a vital resource for the school itself, which hosts the Hyndburn & Ribble Valley School Sports Partnership at the site. Jane Johnson, Manager of the School Sports Partnership, emphasised the far-reaching benefits of the upgraded pitch. “This facility allows us to enhance school sports programs, offering students access to top-quality training environments. It supports not only football but also a range of school-led sports initiatives, encouraging more young people to participate in physical activity and develop their skills.”
This upgrade marks a significant milestone for Accrington Academy and the wider community. By providing a premier training and matchday environment for local clubs and schools, the facility is set to become a central hub for sporting excellence in the region.
For further information or to book a slot at the new 3G facility, please contact: [email protected].
