Blackpool FC Community Trust

What Blackpool FC Community Trust does

Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT) is the charitable arm of Blackpool Football Club, registered as a charity (No. 1128235) and company (No. 06808212) in England and Wales. Founded in 2009, it delivers more than 40 community programmes spanning early years, primary, secondary, further and higher education, adult sport, disability services, mental health, crime prevention, armed forces support, and family hardship relief across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. Programmes are delivered through a multi-venue network anchored by Bloomfield Road Stadium and Aspire Sports Hub, supplemented by schools, partner leisure centres, churches and community halls, with digital booking supported by GymCatch.

The trust operates a hybrid community-led and event-driven go-to-market, reaching beneficiaries through school networks, council referrals, partner organisations and the Blackpool FC brand. Its portfolio includes alternative education (Blackpool FC School, Blackpool FC Sports College with University of South Wales), flagship diversion programmes (Premier League Kicks, Tower Above, Champions Youth and Adult), health and inclusion (Fit2Go, Pan Ability, Active Minds, Get Vocal), adult sport (Walking Football, Masters Football, Aspire Five's leagues), and family support (HAF holiday camps, Cost of Living Support, Christmas Campaign). Underlying technology is light: a website with programme booking, social media presence, Veo video analysis for Ladies teams, and standard third-party tools (Google Analytics, Adobe Reader, GymCatch).

BFCCT generates income through a mix of grant funding (Department for Education HAF, National Lottery via Sport England / Football Foundation, Premier League Charitable Fund, Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, NHS Blackpool CCG, Armed Forces Covenant Fund, Beaverbrooks, Hargreaves, School Sport Premium), corporate sponsorship (LionTrust for Ladies teams, Blackpool FC), modest programme fees (Walking Football £3-4, Masters Football £4, Football Development Centre £8, Aspire Five's £30 per team, birthday parties from £125) and education tuition at the Sports College. Leadership sits with Chief Executive Ashley Hackett. In 2024/25 the trust reported £31.25m in social value generated, with over 600 Sports College graduates since 2013, 400+ children served through HAF, and 33 schools engaged in the Christmas Campaign.

Name

Blackpool FC Community Trust

Legal name

Blackpool FC Community Trust

Website

https://www.bfcct.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Blackpool FC Community Trust is the charitable arm of Blackpool Football Club, delivering 40+ community, education, health and inclusion programmes across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast for all age groups, funded by government grants, lottery, charitable foundations and programme fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Sports and Education Charity Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Athletics Fundraising, Sponsorships & NIL Support (EDALAIAN)

Keywords

• Community sports programmes
• Youth development programmes
• Alternative education provision
• Social inclusion services
• Charity football initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Blackpool

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government and Lottery Funding: Primary funding from government departments and lottery sources including Department for Education HAF funding, National Lottery via Sport England/Football Foundation (£616,000 awarded), and Lancashire Police Crime Commissioner grants.
2. Charitable Grants: Funding from charitable foundations including Premier League Charitable Fund, Armed Forces Covenant Fund, Veterans' Foundation, Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, The Hargreaves Foundation, School Sport Premium, and Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust.
3. Programme Session Fees: Fees charged for various programmes including Walking Football (£3-4), Masters Football (£4), Football Development Centre (£8/session), Active Minds (£3/session), and Aspire Five's league (£30/team).
4. Event and Party Hire: Revenue from birthday parties (starting from £125), facility hire at Aspire Sports Hub, and tournament entry fees.
5. Education Provision: BTEC and degree-level educational courses at Blackpool FC Sports College delivered in partnership with University of South Wales.
6. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship: Support from Blackpool FC, LionTrust sponsorship for Ladies teams, and in-kind support from Club Shop for campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Blackpool FC Community Trust is a registered charity delivering more than 40 community, education, health, and sport programmes linked to football across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. Programmes span early years, primary, secondary, post-16 education, adult participation, older adults, disability inclusion, mental health, armed forces, crime prevention, and family hardship support. Revenue comes from government grants, lottery funding, charitable foundations, programme fees, education tuition, and corporate sponsorship.

Product overview

Blackpool FC Community Trust operates as a multi-programme community sports and education charity offering a diverse portfolio of products and services across multiple categories. The core offerings include: (1) Early Years & Primary Programmes - Tiny Tangerines, Nursery Provision, Fit2Go, Unstoppable, Premier League Primary Stars, Holiday Camps, Football Development Centre, and Female Football; (2) Education & Employability - Blackpool FC School (alternative education), Blackpool FC Sports College (BTEC/degree courses), High School Hubs (1:1 mentoring, PL Inspires, Enterprise), and Degree Courses; (3) Community Programmes - Disability Sessions, Premier League Kicks, Tower Above, Move More, Engage 4 Change, Pan Ability/Mental Health Football, Get Vocal, Champions Youth/Adult, Walk & Talk, Armed Forces support, and various social groups including Extra Time and Sporting Memories; (4) Adult Sports - Masters Football (35+), Walking Football (50+), Aspire Five's leagues; (5) Events & Activities - Birthday Parties, Holiday Camps, HAF camps, Stars Camp (SEND), and competitions including EFL Kids Cup, Jimmy Armfield Memorial Cup, and Fit2Glow Tournament. The Trust serves all age groups from nursery age through to seniors, with specific focus on inclusion, health & wellbeing, youth development, crime prevention, and armed forces support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Blackpool FC Sports College: Further and higher education college offering sports-related qualifications in partnership with University of South Wales
• Blackpool FC School
• Tiny Tangerines
• Blackpool FC Girls and Ladies
• Holiday Camps
• Premier League Kicks
• Stars Camp (SEND)
• Get FIT Keep FIT
• Champions Youth
• Champions (Adult)
• Move More
• Active Minds
• Pan Ability
• FA Girls' Emerging Talent Centre
• Extra Time
• Walking Football
• Engage 4 Change
• Fit2Go
• Unstoppable
• High School Hubs
• Premier League Primary Stars
• Boot Bank
• Aspire Sports Hub

Products and services

• Tiny Tangerines Community football sessions for children aged 0-11 focused on ball mastery and confidence building through small-sided games and training activities.
• Holiday Camps Multi-sport, football, and inclusion camps during school holidays providing quality, fun, active, affordable and safe childcare for children.
• Holiday Activity and Food Camp (HAF) Department for Education funded programme providing healthy food and activities for children receiving free school meals during half-term holidays, serving over 400 children as the largest local provider.
• Blackpool FC School Full-time alternative education provision for Year 10 and 11 students who require an alternative to mainstream school, delivered at the stadium.
• Blackpool FC Sports College Further and higher education institution offering BTEC qualifications (Level 2, Level 3) and degree courses (Foundation Degrees, BSc Top-Ups) in Sports Coaching and Community Football Coaching in partnership with University of South Wales.
• Premier League Kicks Free diversionary football and sports activities for young people aged 8-18 in high-need areas, including football, dance, boxing, gaming, workshops, and national competitions with other football clubs.
• Tower Above 1:1 mentoring programme for children aged 8-12 at risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour or crime, using sport and physical activity alongside personal development plans.
• Move More (Active Through Football) Five-year National Lottery funded programme targeting working-age adults in Park Ward and Central West Blackpool with exercise classes, walking football, and social get-togethers for physical and mental wellbeing.
• Engage 4 Change Project working with young people aged 16-25 to help guide and support their aspirations, goals, and steps into education, employment or training, delivered through four outreach teams.
• Pan Ability and Mental Health Football Free weekly football sessions for people living with disabilities and those with mental health conditions, including Unified Football sessions for PAN ability and Positive Mental Health pathways.
• Disability Sessions Disability-specific lunch and after-school physical activity sessions tailored for each school and pupil, including Friday Night Disability Youth Club, SEND school delivery across seven SEND schools, and College PAN-Ability sessions with Blackpool & Fylde College.
• Get Vocal Safe space for men aged 18+ to talk to peers in a non-judgmental setting, developed in partnership with Blackpool FC and Blackpool Council, with armed forces community groups and a Get Vocal Podcast on men's mental health.
• Champions Youth Preventative programme for 10-17 year olds at risk of entering the Criminal Justice System, with each young person assigned a one-to-one Mentor to co-produce personal development plans addressing their goals.
• Champions (Adult) Custody intervention programme for 18-25 year olds who committed violent crimes, forming part of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, providing support through a Custody Intervention Coach to access community services.
• Armed Forces Programme Range of armed forces programmes for serving personnel, families, veterans and families of veterans, including Model Making Club, Breakfast Club, Monthly Trips, Walk & Talk, NAAFI Break, Gardening Club, and Forces Football.
• Masters Football Slightly slower-paced 5-a-side football for people aged 35+ who want to continue playing at a faster pace than walking football, priced at £4 per session.
• Walking Football Slower version of football for people aged 50+ to rekindle their love of playing without running, jogging or heading, with reduced physical contact, priced at £3-4 per session.
• Extra Time Weekly social group for over 55s including chair-based exercise, dominoes, quizzes, trips, country themed afternoons, and coffee and chat sessions, priced at £2 per session.
• Dementia Friendly Sporting Memories Sessions tailored for individuals living with Dementia and their companions, featuring reminiscence, gentle physical activities through music, sports quizzes, Boccia, and sing-alongs.
• Fit2Go Six-week Health & Wellbeing programme for Year 4 pupils funded by NHS Blackpool CCG and Public Health Blackpool, including classroom sessions, physical activity, family workshops, and a celebration festival.
• Unstoppable Year 6 PSHE programme using Dan Freedman's book focusing on mental health, knife crime, friendships, family dynamics, and transition to high school.
• Premier League Primary Stars Programme supporting primary school teachers with PE delivery, mental health interventions, healthy lifestyle programmes, and social action, including EFL Kids Cup, Jimmy Armfield Memorial Cup, and Fit2Glow Tournament competitions.
• High School Hubs Three core programmes (1:1 Mentoring, PL Inspires, Enterprise) providing support for pupils in Blackpool schools alongside academic pathways from Year 7 to Year 11.
• Get FIT Keep FIT Inclusive health and fitness community dedicated to helping everyone lead a healthier, more active lifestyle through affordable fitness sessions.
• Female Football Programme Complete pathway for girls and women of all ages and abilities, from beginner sessions to competitive teams, including Blackpool FC Girls and Ladies, FA Girls' Emerging Talent Centre, Future Lioness Development Centres, and Girls Elite Coaching Pathway.
• Girls Elite Coaching Pathway Invitation-only Girls Elite Coaching Pathway programme launched for the 2024/25 season, offering weekly 90-minute coaching sessions delivered by experienced FA Girls' Emerging Talent Centre staff as a 30-week programme.
• Stars Camp (SEND) Holiday camp and youth group for children and young people living with disabilities aged 7-25, located at Bloomfield Road with activities including DJ parties, arts, sports, and stadium tours.
• Football Development Centre Academy-curriculum inspired goalkeeper and outfield sessions helping players refine skills, including the Goalkeeper Development Centre with positioning, shot-stopping, distribution, and handling training, priced at £8 per session.
• Aspire Five's League 5-a-side football leagues at Aspire Sports Hub for teams aged 18+ and 35+, running 14-week seasons with eight teams playing each other twice, priced at £30 per team.
• BFCCT Birthday Parties Football and Esports birthday party packages at Aspire Sports Hub and Bloomfield Road Stadium for up to 30 children, including party room, certificates, medals and gifts, starting from £125.
• Nursery Provision Physical activity sessions for Early Years settings delivered within the EYFS framework, including Early Years Physical Activity and Early Years Football options.
• Cost of Living Support Support services for community members experiencing cost of living pressures, including The Big Food Truck food bag partnership with Blackpool Food Bank accepting Healthy Start vouchers.
• Walking Football (Armed Forces veterans) Walking Football sessions tailored for armed forces veterans, delivered as part of the broader armed forces programme at partner venues.
• Sporting Memories Fun social group for older sports fans to share memories and memorabilia, predominantly covering football and Blackpool FC.

Quantifiable outcome

• £31.25m social value generated during 2024/25
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• University of South WalescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Partnership for degree programme delivery at Blackpool FC Sports College. Foundation Degrees and BSc Top-Up courses in Sports Coaching and Community Football Coaching are accredited and delivered at the stadium.
• Blackpool FCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent football club affiliation providing stadium facilities, first-team player involvement, Academy connections, and brand association. Blackpool FC Ladies teams supported through the trust.
• Blackpool CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple partnerships including Get Vocal programme development, cost of living support, early help referrals, and facility access. Tower Above referrals from Early Help & Support Team.
• Blackpool Food BanksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for The Big Food Truck initiative providing affordable food bags at the stadium using pre-order system and accepting Healthy Start vouchers.
• Blackpool & Fylde CollegesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for College PAN-Ability sessions and teams, accessible to students at any Blackpool & Fylde College campus.
• FA (Football Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFA Girls' Emerging Talent Centre partnership for elite female player development. Trust staff deliver FA-aligned coaching curriculum and talent ID.
• Blackpool Supporters TrustsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Shirt Giveaway initiative ensuring every Year 2 child in Blackpool primary schools received a Blackpool shirt.
• StreetlifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead organisation for Engage 4 Change project working with 16-25 year olds to improve community sector partnership working and support disadvantaged young people.
• 4 Lancs (Army Reserve Centre)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with armed forces Model Making Club at North Stand Community Hub, promoting deeper appreciation for armed forces and mental wellbeing.
• Lightpool FestivalsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual partnership for Fit2Glow glow-in-the-dark football tournament, with finals hosted at Blackpool Tower Circus as part of the Illuminations festival.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Preston North End Community Trust: Lancashire-based football club community trust delivering education, sport, and health programmes with similar age-cohort coverage. Directly comparable in scale, geographic remit, and funding mix.
• Burnley FC in the Community: Charitable arm of Burnley FC operating in the same Lancashire region with a similar mix of community sports, education, health, and youth programmes. Highly comparable given shared geography, lower-league football club backing, and overlapping programme portfolio.
• Fleetwood Town Community Trust: Community trust of Fleetwood Town FC, also operating on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. Closely comparable peer given overlapping geographic catchment area and similar small-club scale.

Broad incumbents

• Everton in the Community: Established community arm of a major Premier League club (now relocated to Liverpool docklands). Larger scale but directly comparable in programme mix covering education, health, employability, and disability inclusion.
• Liverpool FC Foundation: Premier League club foundation operating education, sport, and health programmes across Merseyside and beyond. Operates similar programme categories at substantially greater scale.
• Manchester United Foundation: Premier League club foundation with extensive education, youth, and community sport programmes. Relevant peer for benchmarking programme breadth, measurement, and corporate partnership models.
• Manchester City Foundation: Premier League club foundation delivering health, education, and inclusion programmes. Comparable in social impact measurement and corporate-funded programme delivery.

Others

• Active Blackpool: Local leisure trust delivering community physical activity in Blackpool and a co-partner on Active Through Football. Comparable as a community health/sport delivery partner rather than direct competitor.
• Sport England Community Sport: National lottery distributor and policy body funding community sport initiatives including Active Through Football. Relevant as a key funding partner and framework-setter rather than a peer charity.

Regional players

• Morecambe FC Community Sports: Community sports arm of Morecambe FC, another Lancashire coastal club. Regional peer operating in similar social-economic context to Blackpool with comparable programme scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bfcct_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCAq2DR5e2iVGswhJZG4Mf2Q
• Facebookm.facebook.com/BFCCT
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/blackpool-fc-community-trust
• Instagraminstagram.com/bfcct/?hl=en

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Blackpool FC Community Trust