Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, has secured a debate on the floor of the House of Commons on the 4th September focusing entirely on the Future of Non-League Football (see here).

Jesse has himself seen what happens when football clubs aren't owned and run properly, and when leagues and governing bodies can't or won't intervene, having witnessed the slow and painful decline of his local club, Hereford United.

Jesse is hoping the debate will cover:

• The Football Association and the Owners and Directors Test – how inadequate it is particularly at non-league level, where the policing of clubs is so difficult.
• The role of coops and supporters' trusts
• The role of HMRC
• The Football Creditors' Rule
• Financial viability of football clubs, particularly those that have recently been relegated
• Transparency of club ownership
• The work of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee on football governance - and the Government's response

The debate is important because it focuses on an area – non-league football – where Supporters Direct has made significant strides since it was formed in 2000, but which often suffers through lack of attention in the mainstream media.

Runcorn Linnets is pleased to publicise this debate and is seeking the support of our two local MPs Derek Twigg and Graham Evans.

Vice-chairman Hedley Edwards and Trust secretary Dave Bettley spent a pleasant and rewarding afternoon at the school-holiday event in Murdishaw Community Centre.

This featured a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and stalls, which were enjoyed by local families.

The Linnets set up a stall featuring photographic displays charting the history of the club's predecessor Runcorn AFC and also their relatively new beginnings under fan ownership as Runcorn Linnets while handing out details of forthcoming fixtures and the club's August Bank Holiday boot sale at nearby Sutton Fields in Sutton Weaver.

Dave Bettley, Trust secretary, said: "There was a steady stream of visitors to our stand over the two hours and the "Return to Runcorn" memorabilia we gave away proved extremely popular with all age groups but particularly the local youngsters, who promptly pinned on their badges and donned their yellow and green wristbands.

"It was a pleasure to meet and chat to people living in the Murdishaw community which we are proud to also call home, including some of our regular supporters.

"Many of those we spoke with were aware of the club and its location. Several had already attended games while the response we received from others indicated that they may well do so in the near future."

The club also received some enquiries from youngsters keen to play for one of the 31 junior teams the Linnets now run in addition to their senior men's team in the North West Counties League and ladies' team in the Cheshire Women's & Youth League.

Runcorn beat Alsager Town in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 4-1. Matty Atherton scored for the Linnets with a header in the 8th minute. Kevin Towey increased the Linnets' lead from outside the box in the 16th minute. Alsager Town closed the gap in the 20th minute. Kyle Hamid increased the Linnets' lead from a free kick just outside the area in the 55th minute. Mark Houghton extended our lead with a cheeky tap in the 64th minute.

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Runcorn beat Rochdale Town in the FA Cup - Extra Preliminary Round at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 6-0. Warren Bellew scored for the Linnets from inside the 6 yard box in the 11th minute. Allan Collins increased the Linnets' lead after a scramble in front of goal in the 20th minute. Kevin Towey extended our lead from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. Kevin Towey put us four goals clear with a fantastic strike in the 34th minute. Chris Lomax added another to our tally from inside the penalty area in the 55th minute. Kevin Towey continued the domination with a firmly placed header in the 58th minute. Allan Collins injured in 73rd, and substituted. Lee Thompson off with 5 to go with injury. So Linnets down to 10 with no subs left.

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One of the major fundraising events of the year for Runcorn Linnets FC takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25th 2014, when the community football club hosts a Car Boot Sale at Sutton Fields.

For those unfamiliar with the venue, this is on the opposite side of the Murdishaw Roundabout from the Linnets ground - off the A56 Chester Road in Sutton Weaver, the postcode being WA7 3EY.

Linnets vice-chairman, Hedley Edwards said: "The boot sale is an invaluable source of revenue for the club and we are hoping as many people as possible will come along either to buy or sell.

"Also, if our extremely busy last such event is any guide, we will also need as much volunteer help as possible. It is a very early start - we will be setting up well in advance of the official opening time for pitching of 8am."

The event is likely to run until early afternoon and if any Linnets supporters are able to help with marshalling at any stage and even for a short time, the club would be very grateful to hear from them.

Would-be helpers can get in touch via Contact Us on the club website www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk or speak to any club official on a match day.

Pitches cost £10 for cars; £11 for 4x4s, small vans or cars with trailers and £12 for large vans. Admission to buyers is by donation to Runcorn Linnets Football Club.

Toilets, cafe facilities and free buyer parking are available on site.

Mr Edwards added: "We are asking our fans to please spread the word to family and friends to help make this event as successful as possible - and keeping fingers crossed for good weather!