Football fans of all ages came together to enjoy a fantastic day of sport, entertainment and family activities at Hyndburn’s International Football Celebration in Accrington town centre.
The free event, held on Broadway, marked the launch of a three-week programme of football-themed activities taking place across the town centre throughout June. Over 3,500 people enjoyed a packed programme throughout the day featuring football challenges, coaching sessions, family attractions, esports gaming and an Under-10 five-a-side tournament involving local teams.
One of the biggest attractions of the day was the Crossbar Challenge, which saw participants test their skills for the chance to win free replica footballs and gain entry into a prize draw featuring a PlayStation 5, 50-inch television, official football merchandise and other prizes.
Young footballers also had the opportunity to learn from Accrington Stanley favourite Shaun Whalley, who hosted a series of football skills sessions alongside former Scotland international goalkeeper and Accrington Stanley goalkeeping coach Matthew Gilks. Players and coaches from Accrington Stanley Women also attended, helping to inspire the next generation of footballers.
Away from the pitch, families enjoyed free face painting, hair braiding, colouring workshops, retro gaming, food, giveaways and photo opportunities, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
The Under-10 tournament proved a major highlight, with local teams showcasing their talents in front of family, friends and supporters. Every participant received a medal and certificate, while Great Harwood Rovers were crowned champions and lifted the LEGO World Cup Trophy.
Chair of the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board, Sami Smithson, said: “It has been non-stop and a huge success. We had lots of smiling faces from children to older people from a really diverse community, everyone was having a really good time, shopkeepers were happy, everyone was happy… football really does bring people together.
“I often talk about the power of sport and the power of bringing people together, levelling that playing field and just really embracing everything we can offer.”
Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Munsif Dad, said: “It was a great opportunity for everyone to come down to the town centre, to tell people what they would like to see from the Pride in Place funding and share their ideas with other people.”
The Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Noordad Aziz, said: “I try to play football every week but given my duties fitting it in can be a challenge, but I love football, it is my sporting passion.”
Accrington Stanley’s Shaun Whalley said: “We had a World Cup style 5-a-side tournament with lots of teams, and then we had skills sessions which everyone really enjoyed.”
Former Scotland international goalkeeper and current Accrington Stanley goalkeeping coach, Matt Gilks, said: “I have been down at the urban football area, the kids have been showing their skills off, with some really competitive games down on the high street. It’s been a great turnout, the sun has been shining and what a lovely day for the people of Accrington.”
Hyndburn’s International Football Celebration continues in Accrington town centre with further free events taking place on Saturday 20th June and Saturday 27th June, giving even more people the opportunity to get involved and enjoy the football festivities.
The Accrington Stanley Community Trust are also running a number of free summer football sessions as part of the Pride in Place project, between Monday 15th June and Friday 17th July.
The sessions are for young people aged 8-17 across Hyndburn, taking place at Stanley Sports Hub on Mondays, Springhill on Tuesdays, Bolton Avenue on Wednesdays, Bullough Park on Thursdays and Oak Hill Park on Fridays.
Register for the free football sessions here: https://www.stanleytrust.co.uk/free-community-football-2026
The events are part of the Pride in Place project which will invest £20m into Accrington town centre, run by the Accrington Pride in Place board in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by the UK Government.
