Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash writes: 'Pools are central to our town’s identity'

Admittedly, in recent years, the experience has sometimes outshone the football itself, but that hasn’t dampened our enthusiasm.

This season, however, feels different. Darren Sarll’s team already seems a tougher outfit than last year.

The hard-fought draw in the opening home game against Southport United, despite a questionable sending-off, gives me real hope for better things to come.

Recently, I discovered that I’m the first-ever member of the Hartlepool United Supporters Trust to be elected as an MP.

It was a pleasure to sit down with the trust’s chairperson, Julia Newton, to discuss their exciting plans for the future.

Pools are central to our town’s identity.

Like clubs across the country, football unites us as a community.

Defending our club, securing its long-term future, and ensuring that fans are always at its heart are critical priorities for me.

That’s why I’m delighted that our new government is supporting the establishment of a football regulator to make Britain the best place in the world to be a football fan.

We will reform football governance to protect clubs across our communities and give fans a greater say in how they are run.

But it’s not just football, Hartlepool is brimming with brilliant sporting clubs.

My children have loved getting involved in rugby, netball, swimming, cricket, and more. These clubs do more than provide opportunities to exercise and compete; they enrich our town’s communities.

Every week, sports clubs in Hartlepool are raising money for good causes, celebrating achievements, and partnering with schools and colleges to offer more opportunities for our young people.

Our sporting heroes inspire the next generation.

From Savannah Marshall’s world boxing success to swimming British record holder Jemma Lowe, and, of course, football pundit Jeff Stelling, whose repeated and impassioned defences of the North-East, its culture, heritage and people, exemplify the formidable characteristics of someone raised in Hartlepool.

Sport is integral to our town’s story, and our clubs are the heartbeat of our communities. As your MP, I will always support them.