Accrington Stanley have teamed up with one of the biggest mosques in Lancashire so children can watch live football.
The club and Raza Jamia Masjid recently launched their 'Mosque Walk to the Match' campaign in Hyndburn.
The initiative saw more than 30 children and adults from nearby mosques walk to the Wham Stadium to watch Accrington Stanley take on Crewe.
Among them was a 64-year-old grandparent, who joined his grandchildren in attending his first ever Accrington Stanley match. He had never attended despite living in Accrington for all his life.
Lisa Charnley, from The Let's Move Hyndburn partnership, said: “We seek to work with more groups and individuals such as the Mosque Walk to the Match, strengthening the power of partnerships in bringing the community together to create shared experiences.”
Managing director of Accrington Stanley, David Burgess, said: "Football has the power to unite people from various walks of life.
"We are thrilled to be a part of the Mosque to Match project and to provide an unforgettable experience for individuals who may not have had the chance to attend a live match before.”
Lee Walsh, from Accrington Stanley Community Trust added: "Through the Mosque to Match project, we aim to not only promote physical activity but also to bridge cultural divides and foster lasting connections within our community.”
Munsif Dad is a volunteer involved on the project. He said: "As a volunteer, seeing the smiles on the faces of the participants as they experience the excitement of live football is truly rewarding. Projects like these have the potential to shape futures and break down barriers.”
Cllr Noordad Aziz added: “It was great to get young people active with the walk to the stadium, as well as seeing their excitement throughout the match, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved. Thank you to Accrington Stanley for a great day!”
The project is part of the Walk to the Match partnership led by Accrington Stanley, Accrington Stanley Community Trust and the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust.
Anyone wanting to become a walk-the-match champion can email letsmovehyndburn@gmail.com
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