News Items

Helping the Environment

We have been working on a Policy for improving the environment around the stadium and also creating a Recycling Policy The plan put together in association with our stadium partners FSC has begun to target:

*Reducing the amount of waste

* Improving our recycling rates

*Reducing our energy consumption

*Incorporating environmental awareness in all our community projects.

We also feel we have a duty to our neighbours around the stadium to improve the area nearby especially in the Sproson Park District (formerly Bycars Park). Our intention therefore is to hold regular consultations with our neighbours and to organise events which aim to improve the area.

On the 4th May Community staff ably supported by Port Vale Club captain Tommy Fraser were able to collect 15 bags of rubbish from the area at the back of the Bycars Stand and on the pathways leading to Dimensions, these pathways are well used by walkers and cyclists and comments have been made regarding the improvements which this event has made to this part of the park.

 End of the Road for Meir Heath - Wembley Report

Meir Heath Primary School were unable to maintain their winning streak at Wembley as they conceeded a goal in the last minute of the Play Off Final against Southern Champions Bournmouth to lose 1-0.

The day began brightly enough as the team were escorted by representatives from the Football League Trust around Wembey Stadium visiting the England dressing room, players tunnel and pitchside. Just before entering the stadium we visited the Bobby Moore statue and met Chris Cartlidge a serving member of Her Majesty's armed forces who just happened to be a Vale fan of some 35 years, he wished us luck.

Once inside we eventually arrived outside the Television Studio and i spotted formed Vale player and now Television pundit Mark Bright, he came out to speak to all the boys and wished them luck as he made other bystanders aware that this is the Vale!

As the game kicked off i looked up the touchline to see former Vale favourite Mickey Cummins now a Rotherham player but injured, he watched our game with interest and chatted away.

So there was unexpectedly quite a Vale presence at the game and although we were all disappointed that the boys didnt win they had experienced the chance of a lifetime to play on the Wembey turf which many Professional players will fail to do.

Many thanks to the players, parents and Teacher Simon Mottram from Meir Heath for being great representatives for our club, we hope to see them compete in next seasons competition which will begin in September 2010, also thank you to the Football League Trust in co-ordinating this fabulous competition.

Vale Reach Wembley Via Meir Heath

It was a bit like a story from Roy of the Rovers..............earlier this year Meir Heath Primary School entered and won the Vale in the Community local competition of this years Football League Under 11's Six a Side Community Cup against stiff competition from 24 other schools.

On Tuesday this week 20th April 2010 they travelled from the southern part of Stoke on Trent to Bradford (a bit like the outer Hebrides to you and I). They travelled executive class of course (expected for players of their calibre) but their driver was no ordinary person......................................

Unknown to the players and parents on the coach the driver was former Vale favourite Allen Tankard (fondly known as Tanks to Vale supporters and club officials) a man remembered from the halcyon days of the John Rudge management era.

Accompanied by Vale in the Community Manager Jim Cooper little did they know how the day was to unfold........the team from Meir Heath were now to take on the champions from all the Northern section teams in League Division Two for a place in the National Final to be played out in May on the main pitch at the new Wembley Stadium.

The mini Vale team won all five group games defeating along the way Crewe Alexandra, Rotherham United, Grimsby Town, Bury and Macclesfield Town to earn a place in the semi finals. The team they had to face was Accrington Stanley who had allegedly thumped one team 13-0 in the group matches, a tough encounter was expected.....

Meir Heath not only won but totally dismantled the Accrington team to win 4-1 and a place in the Final awaited them. In the other semi final Crewe Alexandra runners up to Vale in Group A faced Chesterfield from Group B, after extra time golden goal Chesterfield won 3-2 to claim a place in the Final against the all conquering team from Meir Heath.

The Final was a very competitive affair as expected with so much at stake and mini Vale sailed into an early two goal lead only to be pegged back by a goal from the Chesterfield team, they survived a few anxious moments in the closing minutes but emerged victorious as deserved 2-1 winners.

The mighty mini Vale now march on to Wembley for this years National Under 11's Football League League Division Two Community Cup Final which will take place on the main pitch prior to kick off for the Division Two Play Off finals.......if only the Vale first team could follow in their footsteps.............................. mmm I wonder!

Meir Heath Primary School

2010 Football League Division Two Community Cup Northern Area Winners

..............could soon be National Champions!

Football League Unveil Macron as Official Kit Supplier

The  Football League has announced that sportswear brand Macron is to become the Official Kit Supplier of the Football League in a brand new two year deal beginning this season.

As the Leagues Official Kit supplier, Macron will support the outstanding contribution made by Football League Clubs to their local communities by providing kit to the 1400 community coaches working on their behalf.

 In announcing the new agreement League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said "This support from a highly regarded brand like Macron will provide a real boost to our clubs efforts to enrich the towns and cities they represent".

"I am delighted to welcome Macron to working with the Football League. I am sure this partnership will bring genuine benefit to both parties".

Andrea Palilla UK Sales manager for Macron said "It is a great privilege to work with the Football League and we are particularly excited at the opportunity to work with clubs at grass roots level".