Port Vale Football Club and Carol Shanahan OBE will receive the Honorary Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent at a special ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
The highest honour the City Council can confer in recognition of distinguished services to the city is Honorary Freedom, as outlined in legislation (Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972), and it signifies the city’s respect for the club.
Our dedication to community involvement via the Port Vale Foundation and our extensive football history is acknowledged by the title, which highlights our emphasis on boosting participation in sports.
While Stoke-on-Trent commemorates the centenary of its city status, granted by King George V on 5 June 1925, the Civic Council meeting will serve to reflect on this significant event and acknowledge individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the city’s narrative, including our Chair and Co-Owner, Carol Shanahan OBE.
This honour demonstrates Carol’s remarkable influence on Burslem and the broader city over the six years since she took control of the club in 2019. She received an OBE in 2021 for her community services in Stoke-on-Trent, recognized for her significant contribution to the UK’s Covid-19 response via the football club.
Granting Honorary Freedom to a select few individuals on behalf of the City serves to link our city’s illustrious history with the individuals and ideals that are instrumental in molding its future.
Matt Hancock, Chief Executive of Port Vale, stated: “This is a genuinely remarkable moment for all those associated with Port Vale, and I take great pride in accepting this honour on the club’s behalf.
Receiving the Freedom of the City award as we near our 150th anniversary is a testament to the strong connection between our club and the communities we support.
“It is another day of pride for our club, supporters, and city, serving as a reminder of the remarkable influence football can have on individuals’ lives.”
Carol Shanahan OBE, Chair and Co-Owner of Port Vale, expressed: “I’m genuinely touched and a little bit overwhelmed to be receiving this honour, both for myself and on behalf of everyone at the football club. Receiving this personal accolade while the club is also being acknowledged adds to its uniqueness.
„Stoke-on-Trent ist für mich von großer Bedeutung; it’s a city brimming with heart, potential, and – above all – extraordinary individuals. Through our business dealings, charitable involvement, or club activities, I’ve established my life here and discovered a community I cherish.
“Our commitment to this community is the foundation of everything we do at Port Vale; I take great pride in our shared accomplishments to date, and I’m even more thrilled about what lies ahead.
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