Community work nets club award

Source: This is Lancashire

8:10am Saturday 29th August 2009


BURY-based football club FC United has “netted” a top award to mark its commitment to the community.

The club has bagged a coveted Co-operative Excellence Award for its work with schools, its provision of training and its status as an integral part of the town.

It received the award from Co-operativesUK at the Gigg Lane stadium where FC United play their home fixtures.

Ben Reid, chairman of Co-operativesUK, said FC United achieved its aim of being a supporter-run club that works with the community.

He added: “They are worthy of this award for all they have done to forward understanding of co-operation and co-operative values and principles.”

Phil Sheeran, one of the 11 FC United directors elected by the membership, commented: “We are very grateful to Co-operativesUK for recognising the club's work and honouring us with this prestigious award.”

FC United is also working with Co-operativesUK and the Development Trusts Association as part of a programme called Community Shares, to raise finance from its members for a new stadium.

The soccer club will now go forward to the Global Awards for Co-operative Excellence to be held in Switzerland in November.