Accrington Stanley welcomed over 100 local residents to the Wham Stadium on Thursday evening for a special event celebrating the club’s remarkable ten-year journey under owner Andy Holt.
The ‘Decade of Progress at Accrington Stanley’ event, held in the club’s 1968 Lounge, was led by CEO Warren Eastham and provided an in-depth look at the transformation of the club both on and off the pitch over the past decade.
Guests heard about significant investment into infrastructure, including £600,000 spent on improving the stadium pitch. The upgraded surface, now built on sand with 6% synthetic material, enables the club to continue playing in adverse weather conditions when other fixtures are often postponed.
The evening also highlighted a number of wider initiatives that have strengthened the club’s connection with its supporters and the local community, working alongside #AmazingAccrington. Among these was the distribution of 10,000 free shirts as part of the club’s popular Big Shirt Giveaway, reinforcing Accrington Stanley’s commitment to accessibility and fan engagement.
A central theme of the event was the club’s role as a growing community hub within Accrington. In 2025, the Accrington Stanley Community Trust raised more than £1.4 million towards charitable causes, engaging with over 20,000 people through a wide range of outreach programmes, including dedicated support for veterans.
The Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust (OASST) has also played a vital role in the club’s progress, contributing to initiatives such as the OASST shop in the Arndale Centre, preserving historic shirts, supporting funding efforts and helping deliver projects including the installation of a new digital screen at the Wham Stadium.
Further community impact has been driven by the continued growth of Accrington Stanley Women, which now boasts over 260 players, alongside a packed calendar of events hosted by the club. These have included collaborations with Clayton Amateur Boxing Club, community Iftar events, live performances from international artists such as Toploader, as well as the club’s hugely popular funfair and fireworks celebrations.
Warren also addressed the challenges faced by the club over the past decade, while outlining ambitious plans for the future as Accrington Stanley continues to build on its strong foundations, which will also see the club working closely in collaboration with Hyndburn Borough Council.
Accrington Stanley CEO Warren Eastham said: “It was a fantastic evening and a real opportunity to reflect on how far the club has come over the past ten years. The event went down really well and was incredibly well-received by everyone who attended. It means a lot to be able to share our journey with the community that has supported us every step of the way.
“We are collectively nothing more than the custodians of a legacy left before us. We owe it to Accrington Stanley to leave it in a better position than when we found it.”
The event marked not only a celebration of past achievements but also a clear statement of intent as Accrington Stanley continues to grow as both a football club and a cornerstone of the local community.
