Stockport County Community Trust, the affiliated charity of Stockport County FC, has launched a new partnership with Contact Originators, to help grow its Disability Football Programme. On Wednesday 25 February, a presentation was held at Reddish Vale High School to welcome, and thank, its new sponsor for helping to make football accessible for all.

Contact Originators’ sponsorship of Stockport County’s Disability Football Programme, which provides football sessions for neurodivergent and disabled children and adults, will cover the Reddish Vale High School pitch hire costs for a year.

On behalf of Contact Originators, Steve Mulcahy, CEO, and Nick Mitchell, Operations Director, warmly accepted a framed shirt that was presented by County Community Trust’s Dave Wardle, Operations Director, and Daniel Landstrom, Head of Inclusion & Participation.

The Trust delivers County Comets, a junior pan‑disability football session for children aged 8–16, offering fun and engaging activities in a safe, supportive setting. It also runs County Stars, a pan‑disability football programme for anyone aged 16+, providing inclusive training tailored to a wide range of individual needs.

Both sessions take place at Reddish Vale School, with weekly training delivered every Wednesday evening from 5–7pm in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Over the past 12 months, County Community Trust has supported more than 100 disabled people through its pan‑disability football provision.

Thanks to the support of Contact Originators, the Trust will be able to cover venue costs for the next 12 months, ensuring long‑term stability for the programme. This funding will also give the Trust the opportunity to grow the provision further by supporting increased staffing requirements, enabling more people to take part in high‑quality, inclusive football activities within their community.

Dave Wardle, Operations Director for Stockport County Community Trust, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Contact Originators, and thank both Steve and Nick for their valued support. This commitment will make a significant difference in the short term and, importantly, help to grow the programme for the future ensuring football without barriers.”

Steve added, “We’re eager to support our local neurodivergent and disabled communities by partnering with Stockport County Community Trust to make football more accessible. It’s heartwarming to see the positive impact these fun and friendly sessions have on the players of all ages. We’re looking forward to seeing this fantastic programme grow further so the beautiful game can be enjoyed by many more.”

The football club’s charity places inclusion at the heart of its ethos, demonstrated through its strong commitment to neurodivergent and disabled communities. The Trust emphasises that disability football is crucial for promoting inclusion, developing social skills, and providing increasing competitive opportunities within the sport. Its ‘Football for All’ ethos is committed to catering for neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD and autism spectrum conditions, and aims to provide a player pathway for both juniors and adults.