The Collingwood Football Club is proud to announce it has broken through the 50,000 membership mark for the first time in the club’s history.

The club set a target of 50,000 in 2010 after achieving a previous record membership of 46,327 in 2009, and is on target for its stated goal of 60,000 members by 2011.

The response from supporters on the club’s 2010 campaign has been extraordinary, with the current tally of 50,865 more than 11,000 ahead of the same time last year.

Collingwood CEO Gary Pert said: “Information gathered from and signed off by supporter feedback groups over the past two years has formed the foundation for all our membership initiatives.

“As a result, the response has been incredible, with supporters jumping on board in numbers the club has never experienced before.

“Along with the recent Westpac and Emirates sponsorship announcements, this membership milestone helps secure the future of Collingwood for our players and supporters.”

Collingwood general manager of supporter services Justin Reeves praised Magpie supporters.

“It’s testament to the phenomenal commitment and passion of Collingwood supporters that we have broken the previous membership record set in 2009,” Reeves said.

“The club decided on a membership price freeze for 2010 in response to supporter feedback, and it has clearly been a highlight of our campaign.”