Although good results haven’t been linked with Stockport County FC for a while, linking up with local marketing company Mi5 Media has created a winning team. During May the Match Day Cards scheme bagged the Football League new revenue ideas scheme for Division 2 and has just been shortlisted for two awards: The Marketing Society Northern Awards 2011 for Best Marketing Campaign for Sport and the MBNA Northern Sports Awards 2011 for Best Business Services to Sport.

Stockport based Mi5 Media created the marketing scheme back in October last year for Stockport County FC after assessing their needs. The scheme is made up of collectable cards with unique match day poster artwork on the front promoting the next home game and the back features a local company. The cost effective advert on the back pays for the 5000 cards, giving the club a small profit and the cards are distributed around the local area for fans to collect for free.

Since starting the scheme it has been rolled it out at Macclesfield Town FC and recently for the Stockport County Community Foundation. Match Day Cards have received interest from several Football League & Football Conference clubs, a Local Council Olympic Department and a junior football club to create a scheme for next season, they are now actively seeking clubs to work with next season.

Speaking with Andrew Calvert who set up and runs the scheme he commented ‘For such a simple idea that was born out of the club’s needs, starting with no budget the response has been amazing and I’m confident we can take the Match Day Cards scheme to new levels next season’.

For more information on the Match Day Cards scheme ring Andrew on 07976 131145 or visit the website at www.matchdaycards.com