A NEW state-of-the-art 3G pitch and sports club has officially opened in Droylsden, marking a major investment in women’s and community sport across Tameside.
The facility, known as Club Ryecroft, was unveiled on November 5, at Laurus Ryecroft, following a £748,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. It is one of at least 30 sites nationwide to benefit from the Lionesses Futures Fund – a £30 million programme inspired by England’s European Championship-winning team.
Work began on the project in February, transforming the school’s grounds into a multi-sport hub complete with a full-size 3G pitch, cricket nets, a natural turf athletics track, and additional football and rounders pitches. The facilities also include access to indoor courts and modern changing rooms.
Club Ryecroft aims to boost female participation in football across Tameside, working with local teams such as Ashton Pumas Girls FC, Droylsden Walking Football Club, and Curzon Ashton FC. It will also host matches for the East Manchester Junior Football League (EMJFL).
The project supports Laurus Ryecroft’s Academic Football Pathway, which allows students to combine education with elite football training. It also received backing from the Law Family Educational Trust, a charity founded by Andrew Law, who officially opened the new facility.
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.”
The new sports complex is expected to play a key role in promoting grassroots sport, health, and community engagement across the borough for years to come.