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Est. 2013 · Abu Hanifah Foundation
AboutAHF FC
Born in Blackburn, built by volunteers. Since 2013 AHF FC has been creating opportunities and memories for children they will treasure forever.
Our story
Building young dreams since 2013
AHF FC is the football club of the Abu Hanifah Foundation, a Blackburn charity that promotes education, religious harmony and understanding between faiths. The club started in 2013 around a local mosque, and children of all faiths and backgrounds have been welcome from day one.
Our aim is to help children grow into confident, well-rounded young people who contribute positively to British society. Today we have more than 350 members across the academy, our league teams and our over-50s walking football.
The club is run by parents and volunteers who coach, referee, pump eighty footballs before a Saturday session and drive teams across Lancashire. We measure success not only by results, but by the confidence, friendships and character our players take with them.
Our journey
From one session to club of the year
Within two years of kicking off, AHF FC went from a handful of children on a Saturday morning to the best Charter Standard club in the country.
- 2013
AHF FC kicks off
The Abu Hanifah Foundation starts a football club for local children in Blackburn.
- Early years
FA Community Development Centre
The FA selects AHF FC, guaranteeing an FA-qualified coach every week.
- By 2015
FA Charter Standard
Working with the Lancashire FA, the club earns Charter Standard status.
- 2015
National Charter Standard Club of the Year
Named by The FA just two years after kicking off.
- 2016
The Guardian comes to Blackburn
A centre-spread feature on the club, our players and coaches.
- 2019
Walking football begins
Over-50s walking football starts with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.
- 2024/25
League winners
Our Under 13s are crowned champions and the Under 12s top their league.
- 2025/26
WR Solicitors Arena and Old Trafford
New home pitches, a Red Rose Award for a young coach and players walking out at Old Trafford.
Our mission
To use football to help young people grow in confidence, character and fitness, through high-quality, affordable and inclusive coaching delivered in a safe environment.
Our vision
A thriving community club where every child has the chance to play, develop and reach their potential, as a footballer and as a person.
Our values
What we stand for
Fun, learning and development every Saturday, and six values that guide everything we do, from how we coach to how we behave on match day.
Respect
For team-mates, opponents, referees, coaches and parents. Always.
Teamwork
We win together, lose together and look out for each other.
Discipline
Turning up, working hard and doing the right thing when no one is watching.
Inclusion
Every child is welcome, whatever their ability, background or experience.
Enjoyment
Football should be fun. Happy players learn faster and stay in the game for life.
Ambition
We encourage every player to aim high and keep improving.
The people behind AHF
Coaches, mentors and volunteers
Grassroots football runs on people power. These are some of the faces you’ll see on a Saturday.
Recognition
Awards that belong to our volunteers
FA Charter Standard Club of the Year 2015
National award from The Football Association.
Lancashire FA Red Rose Awards 2025
Young Volunteer of the Year: Coach Kambo.
One Voice Blackburn Man of the Year 2023
Club Secretary Yasir Sufi.
League winners 2024/25
Our Under 13s, champions of their league.
Safeguarding & welfare
Safe hands, every session
The safety and wellbeing of every child is our first priority. We follow FA grassroots safeguarding guidance and expect the same high standards from everyone involved with the club.
- Coaches and volunteers working with children hold an enhanced DBS check
- A named Club Welfare Officer parents and players can speak to
- Codes of conduct for players, parents, coaches and spectators
- First aid available at every session
Have a welfare concern?
If you have any concern about a child’s welfare, please speak to a coach or contact our Club Welfare Officer in confidence at Info@ahffc.org. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Read our safeguarding pageNow enrolling
Join the AHF FC family
Register in two minutes, then WhatsApp us to book a free taster session. Boys and girls, Reception to Year 8, all abilities.