A state-of-the-art 3G pitch and Sports Club has officially opened in Droylsden, marking a major investment in grassroots sport for the Tameside community.
The new facility, based at Laurus Ryecroft, was unveiled on 5 November 2025, thanks to a £748,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
The project is one of at least 30 across England funded through the Lionesses Futures Fund, a £30 million initiative launched to build on the legacy of the England Women’s team and boost opportunities for women and girls in football nationwide.
Known as Club Ryecroft, the new hub features a full-size 3G pitch, cricket nets, a natural turf athletics track, football and rounders pitches, as well as indoor courts and changing facilities. The venue will serve both Laurus Ryecroft students and the wider community, providing modern, inclusive spaces to play, train and develop.
Club Ryecroft is set to become a key player in promoting female participation in football across Tameside. Working closely with local clubs and community groups, it will provide a clear pathway for girls and women from grassroots to competitive levels. Partner organisations already signed up include Ashton Pumas Girls FC, Droylsden Walking Football Club, and Curzon Ashton FC, while the site will also act as a hub for the East Manchester Junior Football League (EMJFL).
The facilities are fully integrated with the Laurus Ryecroft Academic Football Pathway, an innovative programme that allows students to combine academic studies with elite football development. The initiative is supported by the Law Family Educational Trust, founded by philanthropist Andrew Law, who officially opened the new complex.
Ed Haslam, Director of Sporting Excellence at the Laurus Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Andrew Law for officially opening the new facilities, and for his generous support and unwavering commitment to enhancing opportunities at Laurus Ryecroft.
“This facility, made possible by the Football Foundation grant, is a game-changer for our students and the wider community. It strengthens our Academic Football Pathway in partnership with Manchester City Football Club, offering young people a unique opportunity to thrive both on the pitch and in the classroom.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added: “Thanks to funding from The FA and Government, we’re delivering 30 pitches like this across the country to support the growing demand for football following the Lionesses’ inspirational success.
“Like all Lionesses Futures Fund sites, the new 3G pitch at Laurus Ryecroft will provide a safe, accessible and welcoming place to play for the local community in Tameside.”
Since its launch in 2000, the Football Foundation has invested £1.2 billion to improve grassroots facilities nationwide, creating over 1,200 3G pitches, 14,000 grass pitches and 1,500 changing rooms, with a total investment exceeding £2.6 billion through partnership funding.
The Lionesses Futures Fund ensures that each supported site offers a best-in-class experience for women and girls. This includes women-only sessions, priority access to facilities, and well-maintained, inclusive environments. Every site also commits to having female representation in decision-making roles and to displaying clear strategies for promoting women’s and girls’ participation.
At the opening ceremony, attendees from the Tameside community were welcomed by student representatives Freyah and Kayden, who gave speeches about the impact this new facility has already had on the school experience.
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