The Stockport County Community Trust is proud to launch County Pride FC, its first ever LGBTQ+ football team.
A grant from the Premier League Fans’ Fund has enabled the development and delivery of projects for under-represented groups in the Stockport area, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Starting from 1st March, fully-coached, free-of-charge training sessions will take place every Friday evening at Powerleague Stockport (6pm-7pm). League fixtures against other LGBTQ+ sides in the region will be arranged in the near future.
These weekly sessions, for people aged 18+, will aim to improve participants’ physical and mental wellbeing while assuring them of a safe and supportive environment. Trans and non-binary players are welcome.
From March onwards, the club will also be flying a County Pride flag from the Vitality Railway End at Edgeley Park. This links in with the club’s County Collective initiative, which is committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusivity.
Members of the local LGBTQ+ community presented the flag to Safeguarding Officer Amy Heaton, Community Trust CEO Alison Warwood and Chief Operating Officer Tom Mahon at the Stockport County v Swindon Town match on Saturday 24th February.
Community Trust CEO Alison said:
“We’re delighted to launch County Pride FC, as it creates an opportunity for groups and individuals who may feel that football is for others, not them.
“As a club, we’re very keen to overcome those barriers so that people attending our sessions and programmes can feel included and valued, free from any judgement or discrimination.”
County Pride FC training sessions will take place every Friday (6pm-7pm) at Powerleague Stockport.
Participants can register here: https://forms.office.com/e/NHXaPPqEu8
