Further Hyndburn Borough Council statement regarding Accrington Stanley FC’s announcement on the closure of the Academy
Earlier this week, we, alongside residents of Hyndburn and supporters of Accrington Stanley FC were informed of the club’s decision to close the Academy at the end of this season.
Like many, we are deeply concerned about the impact this decision will have on young people and families from Hyndburn. As mentioned in our previous statement, upon hearing this news we immediately contacted Accrington Stanley FC to ascertain more information on the reasoning behind the decision and to offer the Council’s support to save the Academy from closure.
The Council has today written to Accrington Stanley FC to reaffirm commitment to working with the club to resolve this situation.
The Council has committed to seek approval through our emergency powers procedures to offer a grant of £140,000 which we understand to be the figure required to keep the Academy operational for the next 12 months, after the EFL financial contribution is taken into account. Accrington Stanley FC is an important asset to our community. We believe the Academy is a vital part of the club. We will do all we can to help save it.
We are extremely concerned that, without urgent action, the Academy may be closed imminently and the opportunity to protect this vital pathway for young local talent lost. We have therefore asked that Accrington Stanley FC gives urgent consideration to this offer and respond as soon as possible so that we can work together to avoid irreversible consequences.
We have also contacted the EFL to express our commitment to the Academy and the club, and to request their support in helping safeguard both.
The Council has a commitment to supporting grassroots sports across Hyndburn. We have provided many grants to sports clubs who provide activities for young people and we will continue to do so where possible through our Cabinet Action Fund and other resources.