Join the biggest football club movement in manchester.

We are Manchester Laces. We are inclusive to all women, non-binary and transgender people. We are inclusive to all football abilities and we are really friendly (humble brag).

Social. Development. Fun. Friendships.

winners: national grassroots club of the year 2022

 

What does “inclusive” mean?

“To me, being inclusive is about everybody feeling welcome. It’s about creating an atmosphere and a club that everybody feels comfortable being involved in no matter your goal tally, your skill or your experience. As we’re growing we want to make sure we’re creating a space for everyone. When you become part of the Laces family you should never feel like an outsider.”

Helen Hardy, Founder of Manchester Laces

Meet the leadership team

Helen: Founder

Hey! My name is Helen. I’m from Newcastle upon Tyne and I’m a huge Newcastle United fan. A lot of people will tell you I’m a closet Man City women’s fan but they’re lying… kind of…

I started this project because I spent my youth growing up in “the toon” and 10 years living in London and I experienced inclusive football and it’s awesome! I feel like Manchester is calling out for something like this. It’s going to be all about fun, social, exercise and inclusion.

Mali: Leader

My name is Mali and I’m the only Southerner in the leadership team (which I never hear the end of!)

I’d never played football before joining Manchester Laces and now I can’t imagine a world where I don’t play football all the time. The club is all about empowering more people to get involved and it’s judgement free. There’s something for everyone!

Come along and give it a go!

Elena: lEader

My name is Elena and I moved to Manchester in September 2019. I am Spanish and I decided to move to England looking for new adventures. I’ve been playing football since I was little. In my early twenties I joined a team in my hometown. I made close friends and enjoyed playing and having some beers afterwards (that was the funniest part).

I want Manchester Laces to have the same good vibes. Being totally new in the city and after the lockdown, I actually haven’t had the opportunity to meet new people and socialise. I am so glad to be part of this initiative, looking forward to creating a family more than a football team!!!

Emma: lEader

Hey I’m Emma, proud Welshie and even prouder Manchester Laces leader and captain.

I have played football all my life (never got any better though) and have had a real mixed bag of experiences. I have really seen the good, the bad and the ugly of football and I’m so proud to be part of a team where everyone is welcome and supported.

Football hasn’t always been for all, I’m here to champion those people that haven’t always had a safe space to play football.

candice: leader

Hello, I’m Candice.  I’m from Manchester.  Growing up in Manchester there weren’t that many girls football teams, which is why I didn’t start playing football until I finished uni.

I was once asked if I wanted to play for Manchester United Ladies (back in the day).  But I was 23 and the maximum age was 19.  

Thankfully things are changing.  Manchester Laces want things to change at the grass roots level.  It’s proactively removing barriers for women and non-binary folx.  We are creating an environment for everyone to feel welcome.  That makes me proud to be a Manc!

Katie: lEader

Hey, my name's Katie but most people at Laces know me as Chads. I'm from the blue side of Manchester – my godparents signed me up to the Junior Blues the day I was born so I couldn't be any other way!

I've played football for far longer than I'd like to admit and played in tournaments across Europe – including pretending to be French at the EuroGames. I've loved seeing the women's game progress from teams playing on parks to winning the Euros in front of a sold-out Wembley (though we've still got a long way to go).

I strongly believe that everyone should have a place within football and I'm proud to help Laces to create that space for women, non-binary and trans people.

Claire - coach

Hi, I’m Claire (she/they). I’m an out and out Red (the ‘right’ side of Manchester, that is). I have played, coached and worked in and around Manchester all of my life (some might think this a long time, others, no time at all - I’ll let you decide). Football can be understood across cultures, languages and communities and can create a feeling of inclusion bringing people together. This is why I feel super passionate and privileged about coaching at Laces. This is an amazing place to start, continue or return to your journey not only within football but a within a community that removes barriers and makes room for everyone.

mia - coach

Hey, I’m Mia! I’m from Leeds and I’m a Leeds United fan (keep your thoughts to yourself). I have recently graduated at Manchester Metropolitan University studying Sport and Exercise Science, despite looking like a high school student.

As a child I grew up playing football, and I’ve always had a passion for the game. I can do about 30 kick ups so I must be pretty good.

I believe there is a lack of motivation, opportunities, and support for young girls and women to participate in football and sport in general. I want to change this. Football is deemed a ‘Man’s game’. Therefore, I want to be a positive support, and boost confidence in young girls, women & people’s football ability.

Laces is the perfect opportunity to start this change by removing barriers for women and non-binary. No judgment, just fun and friendly football.

Lauren - coach

Hi I’m Lauren. I’m originally from a little town outside of Leicester and I’m a Chelsea fan through and through. I moved to Manchester to become an English teacher and now I also coach football. I suppose the two skills are interchangeable.

I’ve played football for over 20 years and in my time, I’ve experienced all levels of the games - from a rain-soaked park pitch with 9 players against 11 to the King Power Stadium in front of fans. I really have loved every minute but my legs don’t get any younger and as I hit the twilight stages of my playing career, my thoughts turn to the future, a future that will hopefully be filled with passing on my knowledge to other players for them to thrive, improve and love the game like I do.

Laces has offered me my first official steps into coaching adult football and I am so excited to be a part of this movement. The idea of a team that has no barriers, that allows all to learn and enjoy the best sport in the world is such a fabulous thing. It is a privilege to be involved.