We are delighted to officially announce the launch of the Stockport County Players’ Association, creating an active community for all first-team players and associated staff who have represented County over the years.
2023 is the 140year anniversary of Stockport County Football Club, and in that time we have had more players represent us than any other senior Club in the country.
The SCPA, which will be headed up by the Club’s Head of Professional Player Support James Jennings, is designed to further strengthen the link between the Club and the 1600+ players to have played for us in our long and illustrious history.
The organisation, supported by the Football Club but ran independently by its members, will aim to create a positive and vibrant environment in which generations of County players can connect and engage with each other, as well as with County supporters.
We are looking to make sure every eligible person eventually becomes a member of the association, so that we can represent and celebrate every era of Stockport County history. To check the eligibility to join, click here and visit the Membership section to fill out the relevant online form.
Becoming a member has a wide range of exclusive benefits, offering the opportunity to come together with other former players for special events, reminisce with former teammates and reconnect with our special fanbase at Edgeley Park, as we celebrate your unique place in the Club’s history.
At this time, we are also looking for members who have the time, skills and interest to form a Committee that can run the Association – this is vitally important for the long term goals of the SCPA. Click here to visit the Committee page and register your interest in becoming a Committee member.
For more information on the official launch of the Players Association, click here.
Head of the Stockport County Players Association, James Jennings, said:
“After many years in the making, we are very proud to today launch the Stockport County Players Association.
“We are determined to continue strengthening the links to our long and distinguished history, and to celebrate all of those who have had the privilege of putting on the County shirt and playing their part at the Club.
“The players have always had a special relationship with the County supporters, and this is something we want to build on with the help of the Players Association. We know how much our past players mean to our supporters, and we believe this association will reflect that unique bond.
“I am pleased to personally play a role in the creation of the Players Association, and I’m very grateful for the help and work that has been put in from many people at the Club. A special mention, however, should go to our Club Historians, Marcus Heap, Des Hinks and Ian Watts, who have been instrumental in pushing this idea for many years, showing their commitment to, and passion for, the Club.
“In the early stages we will be planning events involving the community and supporters that I’m sure will be well received by the fans.”
Director of Football Simon Wilson said:
“One of the things we as a management team talk about, is being known as ‘a proper club.’ That’s how we aim to be described, and it has become a standard we measure ourselves by in everything we say and do.
“A key part of this is respecting the heritage of the Club and those who have contributed to building the history and maybe more importantly, the soul of County. Significant in this are the players that have pulled on the shirt and stepped across the white line for the Club.
“Embedded within this special community are hundreds of stories and moments, characters and friendships. It is a list to reminisce about, to be inspired by, and to relate to.
“There have been great efforts from our supporters to recognise this, and as we sat down to discuss supporting these initiatives, such as SCAN, the hall of fame, reunion events and so on, it became apparent there was something missing that could bring it all together.
“We have set up the Stockpot County Players Association (SCPA) as the vehicle to do this. Deliberately, it is not just the ‘former’ players association, so it links both the past, the present, and the future.
“Over time we will do more and more to bring this to life, but we are starting from today with an organisation set up to coordinate all our activities. We think everyone can get something out of it, and it’s what a proper Club would do.”
