It also creates strong links with Vanarama National League neighbours Stockport County, although Town will be run independently. 

Town have announced that owner Mark Stott has acquired a majority stakeholding in Pro Football Academy.

The acquisition supports Stott’s passion for creating opportunities for everyone to get more out of football and create pathways for young footballing talent in Stockport and the wider region.

Pro Football Academy is a nationwide football coaching business, catering for footballers aged 4 to 16 years.

It offers young footballers a range of coaching sessions from weekly group sessions to one-to-one coaching with FA/UEFA qualified coaches.

Carlos Roca will remain as managing director of Pro Football Academy.

Pro Football Academy owns Stockport Town and are based at Stockport Sports Village.

The FA, EFL and North West Counties League have all approved the transaction subject to conditions that ensure Stockport Town is operated independently from Stockport County.

A dedicated team has been recruited with former Blackburn Rovers and England under-21 international Matt Jansen (pictured) appointed as manager and will be joined by Mike Jeffries as his assistant.

Jonathan Smith has been promoted as Jansen’s replacement as head of recruitment at Stockport County, while County legend Paul Turnbull has also signed from National League North side Curzon Ashton and will captain the Town team.

Turnbull, 32, is a vastly experienced midfielder who signed for Curzon Ashton in September 2020.

He had re-joined Stockport County for a fourth time from Chester FC in March 2018.

Originally a striker, he remains the youngest player ever to feature in a Football League game for the Hatters – he made his debut as a sub at Wrexham in 2005 at just 16 – he was still at school at the time.

He also famously rejected a move to Chelsea as a youngster and has also gained experience at Northampton Town, Macclesfield Town and Barrow AFC.

He originally came through the ranks of County’s centre of excellence and first joined the club at the age of just 11 – by 21 he was the club captain.