Accrington Stanley Women launch exciting new partnership with Accrington & Rossendale College

Accrington Stanley Women have announced a landmark partnership with Accrington & Rossendale College, part of the Nelson & Colne College Group, that will see the college become a key venue for training and matches across Stanley Women’s girls’ and women’s teams.

For the 2025-26 season, Stanley Women will have 25 junior teams and four Open age teams, with player ages ranging from U9s to over 40s.

The collaboration also marks a significant development for sport and education across the borough, creating new pathways for young female footballers and strengthening community ties. This will include opportunities for Stanley Women to work closely with Accrington & Rossendale College students across sport, health and wider curriculum areas.

While some of the Stanley Women squad pursue sports-focused qualifications, many are also studying diverse pathways such as health sciences, law, and more. Working with Accrington & Rossendale College will allow the club to support those ambitions with a flexible and inclusive approach to education.

The partnership will also open up real-world placement opportunities for Accrington & Rossendale College students studying subjects such as physiotherapy, sports science, performance analysis, and strength & conditioning. These students will be embedded into the club’s performance environment to gain valuable, hands-on experience with the club.

Having hosted matches at the college in previous seasons, this new agreement also cements a growing relationship and supports the club’s continued mission to grow the women’s game in Hyndburn and beyond.

This latest partnership also complements Stanley Women’s ongoing work with local businesses and organisations, including current front-of-shirt sponsor iMEP and sleeve sponsors Hyndburn Borough Council, as part of a wider mission to embed the club at the heart of the community.

Sami Smithson, chair of Accrington Stanley Women, said: "We are absolutely delighted to formalise our partnership with Accrington & Rossendale College. Not only does this give us a high-quality base for training and matchdays, but it also enables us to directly invest in the next generation, on and off the pitch.

“This is a partnership rooted in community, and we can’t wait to see it flourish."

Steven Buckley, learner experience manager at Accrington & Rossendale College, said: "Teaming up with Accrington Stanley Women is a fantastic opportunity for our students and for the college as a whole.

“This partnership highlights our commitment to empowering young women in both education and sport. We are proud to play a part in supporting such an inspiring and community-driven club."

With preparations in full swing for the 2025–26 campaign, the club is determined to build on last season’s success, which saw Stanley Women finish second in the league and reach two cup finals.

To keep up to date with Accrington Stanley Women, visit: www.facebook.com/AccringtonStanleyWomen, x.com/ASWFCofficial and www.instagram.com/accrington_stanley_womenfc