Hats off to the Hatters!
Stockport County not only has its ground at the heart of the community but it has won numerous national awards for its work with good causes. Phoebe Jobling goes behind the scenes
FOUNDED in 1883, Stockport County FC is not only one of the country’s most established clubs, but they are proud to be a pillar of the community too.
Based at Edgeley Park, the club has been based right in the heart of Stockport since 1902.
As well as their success on the pitch, the club has won a raft of national community awards, an enviable reputation in the game and an army of young supporters.
Here’s how the Hatters give back to their beloved community.
●●The club has its own dedicated charity
Stockport County has always been a huge part of the community, and acts as a hub for fans as well as the wider community.
The club has its very own dedicated charity, County Community Trust, that takes football off the pitch and into the local area.
Olivia Hanvey, head of commercial and ticketing at Stockport County FC, said: “The charity’s aim is to use the local community passion for sport and football and offer a range of programmes and activities to encourage learning and promote healthy lifestyles that will make a real difference to the lives of people in the local community.
“They provide valuable community support and outreach within Stockport and the surrounding area.
“Through this provision, they want to support children, adults, senior citizens and families across Stockport, Greater Manchester, Tameside, High Peak and East Cheshire.
“They provide community support by offering sports participation projects, social inclusion, health and wellbeing and disability provision. Through these activities we aim to extend opportunity, choice and control benefitting attendees physically, socially, and emotionally.”
●●County’s owner has a long-standing relationship with Stockport
In January 2020, the club was acquired by local businessman Mark Stott, who was born and raised in Stockport.
Mark is a lifelong football supporter, and his vision is to bring back the ‘local football club’ for the modern era and create a sustainable club at the heart of the community, achieving great things both on and off the pitch.
Significant investment has already been made in various parts of the club including training facilities, developing the club’s academy, new player signings, a newly updated events space and enhancing the match day experience.
Mark has already used his business contacts to maximise funding opportunities for the club and community groups, including helping to raise £200k for the Food for Christmas campaign the club launched last year.
Mark said: “I am excited by the opportunity that lies ahead to support Stockport County FC to fulfil its great potential, both on and off the pitch, by creating a more sustainable model for the future of this historic football club that includes deepening its long-standing ties with the local community.”
●●Grassroots football is key to the club
Owner Mark Stott has a passion for creating opportunities for everyone to get more out of football, and create pathways for young footballing talent in Stockport and the wider region.
Subsequently, Mark has recently acquired a majority stake holding in Pro Football Academy - a nationwide football coaching business catering for footballers aged four to 16.
It offers young footballers a range of coaching sessions, from weekly group sessions to 1:1 coaching with FA/UEFA qualified coaches.
The acquisition further strengthens the town’s footballing credentials, and will help to retain and provide pathways for promising local talent.
●●New Puma kits are raising money for local charities
Earlier this month, Stockport County revealed their three new Puma kits ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The home, away and third shirts are all unique in their own way, and a portion of the proceeds for each are being donated to local charities.
The new blue home shirt is a bespoke Puma design for Stockport County, and for every home shirt purchased £3 will be donated to Stockport FC’s dedicated charity, County Community Trust.
The new white away shirt is based on the Puma Final range, and pays homage to the period from the 1930s to mid 1960s when County played in white and were referred to as ‘the lilywhites.’
For every away shirt purchased, a total of £3 will be donated to the Stockport County Community Trust.
The new pink and black third shirt is another bespoke Puma design for Stockport County. It’s striking and different, as all third shirts should be, and reflects the bold ambitions of the club both on and off the pitch.
For every third shirt purchased, a total of £3 will be donated to Beechwood Cancer Care - a Stockportbased charity that offers support to those living with cancer or a life-limiting illness, as well as their relatives and carers.
The 2021/22 Stockport County shirt range is available to buy online and at the Club Shop at Edgeley Park. ●●Edgeley Park is a hub of the community
In 1902, Stockport County FC moved south of the River Mersey to Edgeley Park, and the team have played there ever since.
The community facilities, events and experiences that Edgeley Park has to offer are second to none.
Whilst attending a game at the 10,800 capacity stadium, fans are welcomed with a positive atmosphere, high energy and evident buzz around the stadium.
The club supplies the full matchday experience, with a hospitality package to make it a day to remember and a must-have for any County fan or local business person.
During the game, you’ll be treated to prime padded seating in the executive seating area, access to the sponsors lounge and the opportunity to relax with players and club officials.
The package also includes experiences before and after the game, such as a three course meal in the hospitality suite restaurant, complimentary match day programmes/ team sheets, Q&A sessions with the manager and former players and the opportunity to watch the man of the match presentation.
●●Now support Stockport County FC in action
The National League fixtures for the 2021/22 season have now been revealed, with Stockport County set to start the season with a home fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday August 21.
The first away game of the season will see the team travel down to Roots Hall to take on recently relegated Southend United, before hosting Grimsby Town a few days later.
The festive doubleheader will see County face Altrincham at home on Boxing Day and away in the
New Year, either side of a trip to Solihull Moore.
A game away at Grimsby lies in store on Easter Friday, before hosting Solihull Moors on Easter Monday at Edgeley Park.
The club will wrap up the season at home to FC Halifax
Town on Sunday May 15, with their final away game of the season against Wrexham a week earlier.
For the full fixture list for the upcoming season and to purchase or renew your season ticket for 2021/22, visit the website.