FA Praise for Football Fan

Football fan Stan McGowen has been recognised by the Football Association for his dedication to helping disabled fans get to their beloved football team’s away matches.

Stan and son Paul are dedicated followers of Bury FC.  Paul has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, so getting to Bury games played away from home can be difficult.

Stan started driving Paul across the country to make sure he never had to miss out because of his disability.  Now this has developed to the point where Stan and a committed band of volunteers take a group of fans up and down the country in a special Bury FC Disabled Supporters Club minibus.

Grassroots Hero

The Football Association recognised Stan’s efforts by inviting him, along with 150 other football volunteers, to a ‘Grassroots Hero’ celebration at Buckingham Palace.  The event, hosted by Prince William, recognises those whose voluntary work and passion helps keep the game of football thriving and makes a real difference to their community.

A delighted Stan comments: “It’s a massive honour for me to be able to represent the Bury FC Disabled Supporters Club.  If it wasn’t for all the volunteers and bus sponsors we wouldn’t be able to support the club in this way.”

Stan adds: “It’s not just me – I only drive the bus!”

Recognition

The Football Association event saw the ‘Grassroots Heroes’ awarded with a medal in recognition of their dedication to sport.  Bury FC chairman, Steward Day, comments: “Since arriving at the club I’ve been enormously impressed with our travelling supporters.  Among them are our disabled supporters, who rarely miss a game no matter the distance.

“Stan gives our disabled supporters the chance to support their club and as a club we’re enormously proud of the efforts that he has put in over a long period of years.  It’s great to see him rewarded with this national recognition from the FA.”

Congratulations Stan!