Stockport County

Image source, EFL

A new initiative highlighting the work of football club charities has been launched by the English Football League (EFL).

'Scan to Smile' will be rolled out in stadiums across the EFL from Friday until the end of January, with supporters invited to scan QR codes on posters displayed around grounds.

Each scan will unlock a short, uplifting story from a person whose life has been positively impacted by the support of their local club charity.

The subjects tackled include mental health support, combating loneliness, improving physical wellbeing, employability and confidence.

The EFL said it hoped the initiative would use "the reach and influence of football to offer fans a moment of positivity on matchday".

Trevor Birch, chief executive at the EFL, said: "Behind every club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL club charity.

"This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact first-hand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good."

Forest Green Rovers have signed right-back Jay Mingi on loan from League One side Stockport County for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old, who can also play as a winger, has spent the first part of this campaign on loan with Crewe, making nine appearances.

"Dynamism, power pace, great individual, met him yesterday and he fits right into our group," manager Robbie Savage told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"Wants to get better, wants to play football, he will add so much to our team on the defensive side but also in the attacking sense."

Image source, Shutterstock

Promising Stoke City striker Nathan Lowe is back with the Championship club after injury cut short his loan spell with League One Stockport County.

The 20-year-old Potters' academy graduate has been struggling with a leg injury that has kept him out of action since Stockport's defeat by Lincoln on Boxing Day and will now continue his rehabilitation at Stoke's Clayton Wood training base.

Lowe had a stunning spell in League Two in the first half of last term with Walsall, where he scored 15 goals in 22 games, winning the division's young player of the year award.

He has again shown his potential with County in this campaign by scoring seven times in 26 appearances, with 14 of those starts.

Stockport said on their website:, external "We thank Nathan for his contribution during his time at Edgeley Park, and wish him well in the future."