County Launch Grassroots Giving Month Across April

Stockport County will dedicate the month of April to supporting grassroots football across the borough, with a series of club-wide initiatives bringing together the First Team, Academy, Women’s team and Community Trust as part of Grassroots Giving Month.

With rising costs continuing to impact grassroots football, many clubs are facing increasing pressure to provide opportunities for young players. Through its ongoing support, the Club is committed to helping sustain and grow the local game through the Grassroots Football Fund.

The  Grassroots Football Fund provides targeted financial support to male and female junior teams across the borough, helping clubs meet the rising costs of participation and development.

Clubs can receive up to £1,500 in funding to support key areas such as new kits, pitch hire and the development of coaches, ensuring more players have access to a safe, inclusive and well-run environment.

During the 2024/25 season, funding was provided to 25 clubs with the aim to match again this year.

Participation in team sport is closely linked to improved mental wellbeing, stronger social connections and increased confidence, while also helping young players develop resilience, teamwork and a sense of belonging.

Help today and donate to support grassroots football in our borough. 

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Through the Grassroots Football Fund, Stockport County is helping local clubs to:

• Break down financial barriers to participation: covering essential costs such as pitch hire, kits and equipment so more players can stay in the game 
• Expand opportunities across boys’ and girls’ teams: supporting clubs to grow provision, particularly within the women’s and girls’ pathway
• Improve the quality and consistency of training environments: investing in equipment and facilities that directly impact player development
• Create more inclusive and accessible football provision: enabling clubs to support players of all abilities and backgrounds
• Strengthen club sustainability at grassroots level: easing pressure on volunteers and ensuring clubs can continue to operate and grow
• Develop clearer pathways into academy and senior football: connecting local talent with opportunities across the club’s wider ecosystem

This is not just about sustaining grassroots football - it’s about helping more young people access the game and see what it can become.

Throughout April, that commitment will be brought to life.

A Month Connected by One Idea

From local pitches across Stockport to Wembley Stadium, Grassroots Giving Month will follow the journeys that begin in grassroots football.

The Club’s trip to Wembley for the Vertu Trophy Final will form the centrepiece of the campaign – Our Roots - connecting the early stages of a player’s journey to one of the biggest moments in the game.

Across the month, stories from First Team and Academy players will reflect on where their journeys began, while highlighting the people, clubs and communities that made it possible.

Simon Wilson, Chief Executive of Stockport County said:

"Grassroots football is the single biggest measure of health in our game and we want all clubs in our borough to be thriving.

While costs of everything are increasing, we want to ensure barriers to participation remain low, so the grassroots fund is a really important campaign we continue to commit to.

April is a really exciting month in the football calendar, with all the games with the most significance occurring. We are using this moment to raise awareness and drive fundraising for the grassroots fund and maximise our impact."

Hannah, Coach for Spurley Hey Girls, has seen first-hand how the Grassroots Football Fund can make an impact:

“The support we’ve had has made a huge difference. We’ve been able to bring more girls into the game; give them the equipment they need and create an environment where they can just enjoy playing football. Some of the girls who come to us have never played before, and you see them grow in confidence week by week. That’s what it’s all about - giving them that opportunity and seeing what it can become.”

Funds raised throughout the month will contribute towards supporting grassroots clubs like Spurley Hey, helping to ease the pressures they face and ensuring more young players can take part in the game.

Key Moments Across April

Grassroots Giving Month will be activated through several key fixtures and moments across April, each highlighting a different part of the football pathway.

Wednesday 1st April – Our Roots

The month begins by introducing Grassroots Giving Month and the impact of the Club’s support across local football.

Supporters will be able to learn more about the initiative and how they can play a part throughout April. 

Watch our Grassroots Giving Month video to learn more about the campaign.

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Friday 3rd April – Wycombe Wanderers at Edgeley Park

The campaign will be brought into the matchday experience, with the Community Trust Focus Fixture at Edgeley Park.

The Community Trust Focus Fixture on Good Friday will shine a light on the work of Stockport County Community Trust, with activity taking place across the stadium. 

From pre-match and half-time bucket collections to players warming up in Community Trust shirts - later auctioned to raise funds in hospitality after the match - supporters will have multiple opportunities to get involved. 

The fixture will also recognise this year’s Community Champions on the pitch, while fans in the 1883 Suite can learn more about the Trust’s impact and donate via dedicated matchday materials.

Sunday 12th April - Vertu Trophy Final: Our Roots to the Final

Wembley will act as the focal point of the month. Our Roots to the Final will highlight the journeys that start in grassroots football and lead to the biggest stage.

Content will be published during the week of the Final with a selection of our players focusing on their beginnings in the game.

Several fundraising initiatives will also take place around the Final, including:

• 90p from every ticket booking fee donated
• Match-worn shirts auctioned
• Match-worn boot auctioned

The Club will also carry the campaign onto the pitch, with a dedicated back-of-shorts logo in partnership with Pro:Direct Soccer to raise awareness of Grassroots Giving Month on the national stage.

Join us in the stands at Wembley as County take on Luton Town for a chance at silverware, tickets on sale.  

Wednesday 15th April - Academy Spotlight (U17 Final)

Attention will also turn to the Academy, showcasing the next generation of players at Stockport County. 

The Premier League U17 Professional Development League Cup Final against Crewe Alexandra at Edgeley Park provides a platform to highlight young players who have been recently developed through grassroots football and into a professional academy, while matchday activity and collections will continue to support the wider campaign.

Back the lads at Edgeley Park and secure your free tickets here.

Sunday 26th April - Women’s Team Fixture

Grassroots Giving Month will conclude with a focus on the women’s game, highlighting the pathway from grassroots football, celebrating Stockport County Ladies and the amazing volunteers who have been involved over the years.  

As participation in women’s football continues to grow and the club’s investment into the newly formed Stockport County Women, the fixture will underline the importance of supporting grassroots opportunities for girls and young women across the borough. 

All grassroots teams across the borough will be invited to attend the match free of charge. More information regarding the fixture will be shared in due course. 

Supporting Grassroots Football Across Stockport

Supporters will be able to contribute to Grassroots Giving Month in several ways throughout April.

In addition to matchday collections and fundraising initiatives, fans can take part in a Season Ticket Give Back initiative. Supporters who are unable to attend a fixture can return their ticket to the Club, and if resold, the proceeds will be donated directly to the grassroots fund.

Every Journey Starts Somewhere

From first training sessions on local pitches to walking out at Wembley, Grassroots Giving Month will highlight the journeys that connect every level of the game.

Because every player, every team and every moment starts in grassroots football.

If you would like to support the initiative and help us reach even more children, you can donate here.