WOMEN’S and girls football in Tameside is about to receive a massive boost by the development of a new 3G pitch.
There has been a growing demand of females taking up the sport since the Lionesses roared to victory at the 2022 European Championship and reached the final of the 2023 World Cup.
To celebrate their success, at least 30 new pitches will be laid as part of a £30 million cash injection from the Government and the Football Association, delivered by the Football Foundation, called The Lionesses Futures Fund.
One of these will be at Laurus Ryecroft in Droylsden, which has been awarded a £748,000 grant.
It will contribute towards developing a new 3G pitch and toilet block to ensure the facilities are female-friendly and inclusive.
The secondary school says they will accommodate over 100 teams within five years of opening, including 19 female teams through Ashton Pumas Girls FC.
A full-size compliant rugby pitch will also be part of the new facility, which will be used by Aldwinians RUFC as an existing partner with the school.
The grant will also be used to make improvements to the existing car park and relocation of cricket wickets at the school and will enable Curzon Ashton FC to expand their provision to the wider community by hosting military veterans, disability and mental health sessions, delivered by the club’s community foundation.
The project has also been supported by an additional grant from the Law Family Educational Trust.
Rob Clare, Sports and Community Development Director at the Laurus Trust, said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from the Football Foundation, which will benefit Laurus Ryecroft and the local community. The funding will be instrumental in growing women’s football and preserving the inspiring legacy of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph.
“This investment will make a significant impact across our whole community, helping to meet the demand for women’s and girls’ football.”
Colin Bridgford, CEO and Senior Safeguarding Lead at Manchester Football Association, added: “This will be a huge asset for the local community, and we are incredibly excited about the impact that this investment and development will have and the opportunities it will create for women and girl’s football in Greater Manchester.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with everyone at Laurus Ryecroft on this funding application and to see their commitment to grow the female game and prioritising activity that will help to get more women and girls involved in football.”