Stockport County Community Trust champions LGBTQ+ football project

The Stockport County Community Trust was in attendance at the town’s annual Pride event to celebrate the Club’s links with the LGBTQ+ community.

The annual event took place on 1st June in Stockport’s Underbanks and Market Place and featured a colourful Pride Parade (including County’s own Vernon Bear), as well as a bustling Community Stage and dozens of market stalls.

The Trust took the opportunity to promote its County Pride FC programme, supported by the Premier League Fans’ Fund, which offers inclusive football opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community.  A weekly training session takes place at Powerleague Stockport (Friday, 6-7pm) with plans afoot for a series of regional fixtures.

In addition to meeting and greeting dozens of County fans, the Trust team also held a prize raffle for a signed EFL rainbow ball, with proceeds going the Kits By County scheme. They also handed out free bags of Rainbow Drops, donated by Cheshire confectioner, Swizzels.

Kristian Carter, a founding member of the County Pride team, joined the Trust stand to emphasise the session’s positive impact and to encourage others to go along. Said Kris:

“County Pride is a great space for everyone to come together and play football in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment. The Trust coaches are fabulous and I’d recommend it to any LGBTQ+ individuals who fancy a fun and friendly kickabout. We’d make you feel so welcome.

“You don’t have to be an experienced footballer; in fact, some of my team-mates have never played before as they’ve gone through life being told that it’s ‘not for them’, which just isn’t the case.”

Added Kris:

“As a fan, County Pride has brought me closer to Edgeley Park – I’m now a season ticket holder – and it’s great to be part of a club that supports the LGBTQ+ community and sends out a powerful message that football is for everyone.”