Proving that politics and football mix

SUPPORTERS’ organisations joined forces recently to ensure the concerns of fans didn’t get overlooked in the General Election campaign.

The Football Supporters Federation and Supporters Direct posed a series of questions to the main political parties about their policies for football.

Four of them – Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the SNP – replied and spelled out in some detail how they would deal with the modern game if they were in government.

These responses have now been made public to allow fans to see them before casting their votes. They can do this at www.fsf.org.uk. –and there’s a link direct to the candidates in all constituencies.

A key issue for the supporters’ groups was how the parties would go about promoting a positive relationship between the clubs and their fans.

They also asked about plans for improving the governance of the game and for making it more affordable for fans.

Inevitably, there was a question about distributing some of the Premier League’s broadcasting billions amongst supporter and community groups – and there was even one asking about the government’s role in creating a successful national team!

Nearer home, the Supporters’ Co-op is on the point of finalising arrangements for the Stockport Half Marathon, which is scheduled for September 6th.

Discussions are taking place with a number of organisations, and once these have been completed there will be an official launch with full publicity.

Several sponsors have already been signed up, but others are being sought for what will be a highly visible event, and any organisation that might be interested can find out more from Dave Marchbank on 0161 292 5168 or 07785 432562.

Hardly has the buzz from last Saturday’s Co-op band night died down, and minds – particularly those of organisers Phil and Christine Robinson – are turning to an all-day event.

This will be on Saturday, July 4th when there are plans for a daytime/evening happening at the Bungalow – with the earlier outdoor sessions having a family-friendly emphasis.

As has been mentioned here previously, the proceeds from a lot of Co-op events go to the rapidly growing Guardian Account.

It will receive half of the amazing £325 raised at the most recent shirt auction, and when the money from a busy weekend of activities is tallied up, it is more than likely that the fund will top £12,000.

The supporters are now well on the way to having a sizeable sum behind them.