Stockport County Grassroots Festival welcomes over 500 young players to Edgeley Park

Over 500 young players from grassroots football clubs across Stockport had the chance to play on the pitch at Edgeley Park as part of Stockport County’s Grassroots Festival.

Across the 16th and 17th May, 500 boys and girls took part in the fun, non-competitive event that is an important aspect of the club’s Grassroots Football Fund. The event gave clubs the chance to meet and play football with other local young people and build their skills, with every participant receiving a certificate to mark their involvement.

The large turnout brought a fantastic energy to the stadium, with parents cheering from the stands.   

The 2025/26 season saw 25 boys’ and girls’ grassroots clubs granted up to £1,500 of funding each. All 25 of these clubs, as well as ten clubs who partnered with the club to be the flag-bearers at a Stockport County home game, were invited to take part in this year’s event.

Established in 2023, Stockport County’s Grassroots Football Fund aims to support grassroots clubs across Stockport. The funding helps local clubs make football more accessible for the local community, particularly where people are struggling with current rises in the cost of living, as clubs can use the funding to help with their running costs, including purchasing new kits, pitch hire and club events.   

This weekend’s Grassroots Festival also raised more than £700 for next year’s Grassroots Fund through a raffle held during the event.  

David Wardle, Operations Manager at Stockport County Community Trust, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many grassroots clubs from across Stockport come together this weekend.  

“The enthusiasm from each player across the weekend was brilliant, and it really highlights the importance of continuing to support local football in Stockport through the Grassroots Football Fund.   

“We look forward to continuing our support for local grassroots clubs next season. 

“We also want to say a huge thank you to Stockport County’s Football Education students who kindly gave up their time over the weekend to help deliver the event. And a big well done to all clubs who took part!”  

Stockport County Football Club and Stockport County Community Trust will be relaunching the Grassroots Football Fund for the 2026-27 season at the start of June.