Groundhopper’s Paradise: A guide to local football in Lancashire

Lancashire is known for its rich football history and passion for the beautiful game. From professional football clubs to non-league teams, Lancashire offers a variety of local football options for fans of all ages. Here is a guide to your local football while you’re studying at Lancaster.

Burnley FC

Just one direct train away from Preston station, Burnley are a must for any football fan at Lancaster. Soon to be back in the Premier League, Turf Moor stadium is a great ground to tick off while you’re here, and the way they’re playing at the moment is almost certain to guarantee entertainment value (for once).

Tickets for matches can be purchased on the club’s website and usually range around £30 to £50 for most matches.

Turf Moor, home of Burnley FC

Blackburn Rovers

Located in the centre of Blackburn, Ewood Park, which has a capacity of around 31,000, is another essential while studying at Lancaster. Easier to get to than Turf Moor, both Mill Hill and Blackburn Station are very accessible and can also be reached on a direct line from Preston station. With Blackburn fighting for promotion in the Championship at the moment, this could soon be another Premier League side that might be a good ground to tick off before tickets rise if they get promoted.

Tickets can be purchased on the club’s website or at the stadium on match day, with prices usually ranging from around £25 to £40 for most games.

Morecambe FC

Most Read

On and off: The relationship status of each MAFS UK 2024 cast member and who’s dating now

Adam told us what happened to the disappearing red wine stains on his jacket during MAFS

Kieran and Kristina reveal whether they went to that festival together after MAFS UK reunion

Morecambe is the local side for us Lancaster students and currently play in League 1 (just about). The Mazuma Stadium has a capacity of just over 6,000 and will always have tickets available (when the games aren’t rained off). Currently sat near the relegation zone in League 1, Morecambe might need your support and if not for the football, go for the view of Morecambe Bay.

Accessible by bus from the university, tickets can be purchased on the club’s website or at the stadium on the day. Prices usually range from around £15 to £30.

Blackpool FC

Blackpool currently sit right at the foot of the Championship in 23rd place (at the time of writing), so any support they can get is most welcome. Bloomfield Road has a capacity of just over 16,000 and is a stadium far too good to be in League 1 so is definitely a necessity to tick off. Blackpool North and South stations are also on a direct line from Preston station, making it another easily accessible team.

Tickets can be purchased on the club’s website or at the stadium on match day, with prices ranging from around £20 to £30 for most matches.

Preston North End

Preston North End has a rich football history, having won two First Division titles and an FA Cup. The club’s home stadium, Deepdale, has a capacity of just over 23,000 and is very easy to access, especially as it is one stop by train or on a direct bus route from Lancaster. Currently sat mid-table in the Championship, Preston are likely to be there next season and so are a great ground to tick off while studying here.

Tickets can be purchased on the club’s website or at the stadium on the day. Prices usually range from £20 to £30 for most matches.

Honourable Mentions

Some other accessible teams that can be ticked off if you’re serious about your ground hopping include: Lancaster City, Accrington Stanley, Chorley FC, Bamber Bridge FC, Clitheroe FC, AFC Fylde. All of these teams are accessible by trains from Preston Station.

Related articles recommended by this writer:

• An ode to RequestBox: We reviewed the strangest songs you are requesting at the Sugarhouse
• Lancaster students: Here’s how to tackle gym anxiety at uni
• We asked and you delivered: Here are Lancaster’s biggest icks