Stockport County will be delivering 4,000 free PE kits to children across Stockport this September.

The aim is to allow all children in the borough to take part in sport, regardless of financial background - particularly since, as the club found, some children are missing PE because their family can't afford a kit.

Dubbed 'Kits by County', the scheme started in 2024, with 3,000 kits donated already.

This month's extra 4,000 kits puts the club well on track for their broader goal - to have donated a total of 12,000 kits to primary school students across the borough.

County said that the initiative will ensure every child "still has the opportunity to become the next superstar from Stockport".

After a year of the scheme, schools are already reporting a direct increase in the number of students taking part in PE lessons.

"Children who were missing school entirely on PE days due to stigma, are now attending, meaning the initiative has a wider benefit on attendance and academic attainment", a County spokesperson said.

The club has also called on football clubs across the country to follow suit.

Stockport County started the Kits by County scheme in 2024 - since then there has been an increase in the number of students taking part in PE (Image - Stockport County)

The kits are funded by County fans themselves - every time a fan buys a shirt, £2 of the price goes to the Kits by County scheme.

Money was also raised for the scheme through corporate donations, fundraising events and The Hatters' 24/25 Sky Bet League Two trophy tour around Stockport.

You can also support the scheme directly by donating on the County Community Trust's Just Giving page here.

Mark Stott, Owner of Stockport County Football Club said: "Football clubs are more than the team on the pitch – we're anchors in our communities. Every child in Stockport deserves the chance to take part in PE with confidence and dignity.

"This is about more than just a kit – it's about inclusion, health and opportunity. If a lack of kit means children miss lessons or avoid sport, then we as a community must act.

"Kits by County is about removing that barrier and giving every child the chance to thrive. And while we are proud to be leading the way here in Stockport, we want to see other football clubs, sporting organisations and businesses step up and do the same in their communities."

Corey Addai, Stockport County goalkeeper, added: "Growing up in inner-city London, I saw first-hand how something as simple as not having the right kit could stop kids from joining in.

"Football and PE gave me confidence, purpose and friendships that shaped my life - but not every child gets that chance. That's why this campaign means so much to me.

"By making sure every child in Stockport has a PE kit, we're removing the barriers that hold kids back and giving them the freedom to enjoy sport, stay healthy and believe in themselves.

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