Dreams made at Old Trafford
AHF players walked out at Old Trafford and sat in the Manchester United dressing room. A day they will never forget.
See it on InstagramBuilding young dreams
through football
Play. Learn.Belong.
Abu Hanifah Foundation Football Club is Blackburn’s award-winning grassroots club. From first touches at Reception age to league-winning teams, we create opportunities and memories children treasure forever.
FA Charter Standard Club of the Year 2015Featured in The Guardian
2013Founded in Blackburn
160Saturday academy players
350+Club members
2015FA Charter Standard Club of the Year
Who we are
Opening doors to every child
AHF FC began in 2013 around a local mosque in Blackburn, run by the Abu Hanifah Foundation. Today we are an award-winning club with more than 350 members, from four-year-olds to over-50s, and children of every faith and background are welcome.
- An FA Community Development Centre within two years, with an FA-qualified coach every week
- FA Charter Standard club, awarded with the Lancashire FA
- Named the national FA Charter Standard Club of the Year in 2015
- Run by parents and volunteers, rooted in our local community
The Saturday Academy
The best part of the weekend
Four age groups, one big morning of football. Every child starts with a free taster session.
9am – 10amLittle Kickers
Reception & Year 1
First touches, balance and big smiles. Games that build confidence with the ball from day one.
- Free taster session to start
- Grouped with children their own age
- £20 a month once a place is secured
10am – 11amSkill Builders
Year 2
Dribbling, passing and shooting through fun challenges, while learning to play as a team.
- Free taster session to start
- Grouped with children their own age
- £20 a month once a place is secured
11am – 12pmGame Changers
Years 3, 4 & 5
Small-sided games, positions and decision-making. The bridge into league football.
- Free taster session to start
- Grouped with children their own age
- £20 a month once a place is secured
12pm – 1pmNext Level
Years 6, 7 & 8
Tactical play, fitness and leadership, getting ready for competitive football and trials.
- Free taster session to start
- Grouped with children their own age
- £20 a month once a place is secured
The AHF pathway
From first touch at four to Old Trafford
Our players have walked out at Old Trafford, sat in the Manchester United dressing room and caught the eye of Manchester City scouts. It all starts on a Saturday morning in Blackburn.
Teams and honours
Winning the right way
Top of the table
Under 8s
Top of the table in their very first season, and only beaten on penalties in the cup final.
Respect first
Under 9s
Playing with growing confidence, and known for sharing food and drinks with the opposition after every match.
Hungry lions
Under 10s
“We start like hungry lions.” A spirited squad who finished as league cup runners-up.
Growing fast
Under 11s
All smiles at the Lancashire Day tournament and getting better every single week.
League toppers
Under 12s
Together since the age of six, this group finished top of their league in 2024/25.
League winners 2024/25
Under 13s
League champions in 2024/25, with another trophy won against our friends at Blackburn Eagles.
Ten years together
Under 14s
Many of this squad started at AHF aged four. They marked the milestone with a team trip to PGL.
Walking football
Over 50s
Every Wednesday since 2019 with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust. Around 30 players a week, the oldest aged 79.
In their words
Voices of AHF
Why should boys have all the fun?
Things can change, and we can be part of that.
We start like hungry lions.
We be positive and start the game confidently.
Couldn’t be prouder as a coach.
A real community project that helps children from across the region achieve their potential.
As featured by
News and press
Making headlines
Centre spread in The Guardian
The Guardian came to Blackburn to tell the story of AHF FC, our players and our coaches.
Read the article
Coach Kambo named Young Volunteer of the Year
One of our young coaches won Young Volunteer of the Year at the Lancashire FA Red Rose Awards 2025.
See it on InstagramMore than football
Our opponents are our guests
After the final whistle our players share food and drinks with the other team. New players get a respect briefing before their first game, and parents have laid on picnics for both sides.
- 160 children, £730 raised at our For Palestine tournament with AHF Scouts and Al Imdaad
- Over 50s walking football every Wednesday with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
- Children’s University Learning Destination for Blackburn
- Matchdays at Ewood Park through our links with Blackburn Rovers
Parents ask
Everything you need before Saturday
Still unsure? Send us a WhatsApp and our admin team will help.
What age can my child join?
Boys and girls from Reception up to Year 8. Sessions are grouped by school year, so your child plays with others their own age.
Does my child need to be good at football?
Not at all. The Academy is open to every ability, including complete beginners. Coaches make sure everyone can join in and improve.
Can we try a session first?
Yes. Complete the registration form, then message the AHF admin on WhatsApp to check availability for a free taster session.
How much does it cost?
The first taster session is free. Once your child’s place is secured, it’s a monthly subscription of £20.
Where are sessions held?
In winter we play indoors at the Soccerdome in Blackburn, and we move outdoors in spring. The venue and times are confirmed when you register.
Do you have sessions for girls?
Yes. Girls are welcome in every session and we also run girls’ sessions. Ask us on WhatsApp for the latest times.
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Ready for Saturday?
Register in two minutes, then WhatsApp us to book a free taster session. Boys and girls, Reception to Year 8, all abilities.