Help needed to see race runs smooth

IF you have family, you will know just how valuable in times of need their support can be.

In the sporting world, and most specifically in the football segment of same, there are some increasingly numerous examples of organisations who have previously existed thanks to the support from their fan base, but now in times less stress filled boosted by the silly money from media outlets, show no more than lip service to the notion that their supporters count and that their interest should be nurtured.

In this respect you only have to refer to the escalating cost of admission to Premier League matches despite the TV companies largess, to get a flavour of how little fans actually count to clubs at that level. Add rip off away admission costs and the fact that these true travelling fans are dragged all over the UK for games at times and on days that make such travelling almost impossible, and my case is made I think.

Thankfully, at County’s current level within the football pyramid there is a greater appreciation abroad with competing clubs that fans matter. Largely because most of them exist mainly because of the input from supporters whose volunteer work helps to keep these genuine community clubs in existence – think Stockport County, think Help the Hatters, the SCFC Foundation and a host of unsung heroes with no label or several.

For the Supporters Cooperative, we derive our support from our membership without whose input we would be hard pressed to survive never mind represent the supporters interests to the Club.

Much of what we do is targeted towards supporting the Guardian Account by raising money for same, and events such as our Quiz Nights at the Spinning Top enjoy huge support which encourages us to continue.

Our largest and most significant event is the Stockport Hatters Half Marathon which this year is on Sunday 2 September starting from outside Edgeley Park . Race details at http://hattershalf.co.uk

The race is a brilliant show case for the Cooperative, the Club, and the town of Stockport and enjoys a growing reputation for excellence. It is also extremely labour intensive, however, and thus very dependent on volunteers to ensure the races high standards are maintained.

Most of the tasks needed to be covered are not that onerous, but they are totally vital, so if you can spare us a couple of hours from around 08.30 on Sunday 2 September please let Race Director John Giles know on johngiles20@hotmail. com.

If you can join Team Hatters Half we would be pleased to welcome you to a business like but friendly team that is supported wonderfully by long time County sponsors Parfetts Cash and Carry, Wilmslow-based sportswear outlet Running Bear, and Focussed Nutrition who will be supplying energy flap jacks and protein bars for runners and spectators this year.

So no doubt you support County- thank you and please keep on doing so, join us at https://webcollect.org. uk/mem/index. php?page= login&action=login. sign_in_or_sign_up