Frequently Asked Questions regarding the “Text County” Initiative:

Where is my money going?
Every pound donated is initially held by Stockport County Community Sports and Education Foundation. 50 pence in the pound is kept by the Foundation, and 50 pence is passed on to, and held by, Help the Hatters, which will then be used to stabilise County as required. The Community Foundation is also able to claim Gift Aid on the 50% which it retains, increasing the value of your donation. Whether directly or indirectly, every single penny benefits Stockport County FC.

Why is Text County any different to the “Ground For A Pound” Scheme?
The funds from Text County are not held by the club itself; The Community Foundation is a separate entity from Stockport County FC, and the funds which will be invested into the club will be held by Help the Hatters, who have a proven track record of helping the club. The Help the Hatters fund account will be protected by 5 signatories, all of which have the best interests of County at heart. For funds to be transferred from this account, it will have to be approved by at least 3 – so no one individual can make the unilateral decision to transfer funds.

Who are the signatories of the Help the Hatters Text County Account?
John Fitzpatrick (Stockport County Board Director & Help the Hatters Chairman)
Mike Hopper (Help the Hatters treasurer)
Peter Ashenden (Your Town Your Team treasurer)
Steve Bailey
Ian Dooley (Supporters’ Club representative)

What guarantee is there that my donation will not be misused?
The funds which are retained by the Community Foundation are entirely separate from the football club; the funds held by Help the Hatters will only be released via the approval of a minimum of 3 signatories for the sole purpose of stabilising and strengthening the club.

Will funds collected through Text County not just replace the club’s existing and/or future playing budgets?
No. The funds which are generated by Text County will be used to supplement the current playing budget – not replace it. The club will have no control whatsoever over the releasing of funds without the consent of a majority of signatories.

Who’s involved in the Text County scheme?
Text County is facilitated and promoted by Your Town Your Team, in conjunction with the Stockport County Community Sports and Education Foundation and Help the Hatters; The co – ordination team of Your Town, Your Team is working in collaboration with the Community Foundation to help their causes as well as helping the club, whilst Help the Hatters have a proven track record of being a trustworthy, proactive group of supporters, who genuinely have the club’s best interests at heart.