On 5th November 2025, a state-of-the-art 3G pitch was officially opened at Laurus Ryecroft by Manchester City footballer Lily Murphy, former international professional footballer Karen Bardsley and Laurus Trust sponsor Andrew Law.
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.
This includes the Academic Football Pathway, which is a unique partnership with Manchester City kicking off this autumn to enable Sixth Form students to combine their education with elite football development.
Freyah and Kayden deliver speeches about the impact of this new facility on the school experience.
Academic Football Pathway students Freyah and Kayden said:
“As we stand here today, we’re not just celebrating a new facility – we’re celebrating a new chapter. The academic football pathway, led by Manchester City, is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and is giving students like us the chance to combine education with elite-level training.”
“This isn’t just a sports pitch. It’s a place where dreams begin, where talent is nurtured, and where friendships are forged.”
⇒ Find out more about the Academic Football Pathway
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.”
Manchester City’s Lily Murphy, Laurus Trust sponsor Andrew Law, Football Foundation Head of Delivery Liam Devlin, and former international footballer Karen Bardsley at the launch of the 3G pitch supported by the Football Foundation.
With thanks to investment from the Law Family Educational Trust as well as the Premier League, the FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, Laurus Ryecroft is set to play a transformative role in increasing female participation in football across the wider Tameside by offering the facilities for community use.
Known as Club Ryecroft, the facilities comprise of the 3G pitch and cricket nets, plus a natural turf athletics track, football and rounders pitches, indoor courts, and changing facilities.
Partner clubs include Ashton Pumas Girls FC, Droylsden Walking Football Club, and Curzon Ashton FC, as well as the East Manchester Junior Football League.
Rob Clare, Sports and Community Development Director at the Laurus Trust, said:
“We are thrilled to officially open Club Ryecroft and welcome the community to our facilities. This pitch celebrates the Lionesses roaring to victory at the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Championships retaining their trophy as well as their achievement of making the final at the FIFA World Cup 2023 and will help meet the growing demand for women’s and girls’ football in the Tameside area.”