About Rishton United FC
The Heartbeat of a Lancashire Community
Welcome to Rishton United Football Club, the home of grassroots football in the heart of Lancashire. Nestled in the town of Rishton, we are more than just a club; we are a community, a family, and a vital thread in the local fabric. For generations, we have been a place where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and the pride of our town is worn on a football shirt.
We are a sprawling, inclusive club providing a sporting home for over 250 players across more than 20 teams. From our youngest "nippers" at the age of four to our senior and veterans' squads, Rishton United offers a complete footballing journey for life.
Our story is one of deep historical roots, on-pitch success, and the monumental, decade-long struggle to build a home of our own. This is the story of Rishton United FC—a cornerstone of our community and a beacon of local pride.
Our History: A Legacy Forged in Rishton
Our club's history is a rich tapestry, combining a modern foundation with echoes of a much deeper past, creating a legacy that stretches back nearly a century.
A New Beginning: 1971
The continuous, modern history of our club began in 1971 when the first Rishton United team joined the newly formed Accrington & District Junior Football League (ADJFL). This marked our entry into the region's burgeoning grassroots football movement, providing organised, competitive football for the youth of our town.
Echoes of a Deeper Past
While 1971 was a new beginning, it was also a revival. Evidence shows that a senior Rishton United team competed with distinction before the Second World War, with newspaper reports noting our 2014 league title was our first "since the 1930s." This incredible heritage means we are not just a modern club but the proud custodians of a long and enduring tradition of football in Rishton.
A Golden Era: The Glory Years of the 2010s
The early 2010s marked a golden period for our senior teams, defined by silverware and historic achievements in the Blackburn & District Football Combination.
- 2013: Our First Team stormed to a 4-1 victory in the Birtwistle Cup final, a triumph made even sweeter as our Reserve Team had already secured the Eddleston Cup, completing a memorable club double.
- 2014: In one of the most dramatic cup finals in local history, we came back from 2-0 down against Hole I'th Wall to win the Birtwistle Cup 4-2. The turning point came when our goalkeeper, Kieran Ainscough, saved a penalty that would have put us 3-0 down. This incredible victory secured a historic League and Cup Double, as we were crowned champions of the Blackburn Combination for the first time since the 1930s.
A Note on Our Name: To avoid confusion, please note that Rishton United FC is a separate and distinct club from Rishton Town FC. All the history and achievements on this website belong exclusively to Rishton United FC.
Rishton United Today: A Club for Everyone
Today, Rishton United is a large, vibrant, and England Football accredited club that stands as a model for community sport.
A Pathway for Life (Ages 4 - 40+)
Our greatest strength is the complete player pathway we offer. A child can join our "nippers" team at age four and progress seamlessly through every junior age group (U7-U18), before graduating to our senior and veterans' teams. We offer a footballing home for life, building a deep, lasting connection between our players, our club, and our town. With over 20 teams for boys, girls, men, and women, we are truly a club for all.
Competing with Pride
Our teams compete with passion and skill across several of Lancashire's most prominent leagues, including:
- Youth: Accrington & District Junior Football League (ADJFL) and the East Lancashire Football Alliance (ELFA).
- Seniors: The East Lancashire Football League and prestigious cup competitions like the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup.
Our Home: The Norden Playing Fields Story
The defining chapter in our modern history is the creation of our home at Norden Playing Fields.
For years, we were a nomadic club, with our 20+ teams travelling across the borough just to play home games. This put an immense strain on our players, parents, and volunteers.
After a 12-year battle, we secured a 25-year lease for Norden Playing Fields from Hyndburn Borough Council. This unlocked the door to a monumental £300,000 redevelopment project. This dream was made possible by a coalition of incredible supporters, including Sport England, the Lancashire FA, and Hyndburn Borough Council.
Most inspiringly, our own 21 teams raised over £30,000 themselves, showing the incredible spirit of our club. Phase One of the project is complete, with levelled and drained pitches, new fencing, and spectator areas.
Our vision is not finished. We are now fundraising for Phase Two, which will deliver the essential changing facilities and clubhouse needed to create a true community sports hub and finally bring grassroots football home to Rishton for good.
At the Heart of Our Community
Our true success is measured by our impact off the pitch. We are a "great community club" dedicated to promoting physical health, well-being, and vital life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience for over 250 local members.
This mission is powered by the fantastic support of local businesses. Partnerships, like the recent Under-10s kit sponsorship from Willowbrook Homecare, provide the essential funds we need to operate and grow. In return, we offer our sponsors a unique platform to connect with hundreds of local families and demonstrate their commitment to the Rishton community.
Be Part of Our Future
From our historic roots in the 1930s to the vibrant, multi-team club of today, Rishton United FC has always been driven by an unwavering community spirit. Our journey has been one of resilience, ambition, and a deep love for the beautiful game.
With our home at Norden Playing Fields secured and a clear vision for the future, our next chapter is set to be our most exciting yet.
We invite you to be part of our story. Whether you are a player looking for a team, a parent, a potential volunteer, or a local business looking to support a great cause, there is a place for you in the Rishton United family.
Come on you Blues!
Codes of Conduct
Players Code of Conduct
Parents Code of Conduct
Join Our Football Family
Whether you're a complete beginner or have been playing for years, there's a place for you at Rishton United FC. We welcome new players throughout the season and provide all the support needed to help them settle in.