Back in August 2020, after falling victim to the financial fallout of the pandemic, Droylsden FC tragically had to bow out of the Northern Premier League and cease playing.
However, following a push from those still remaining at the club, some dedicated fans and loyal locals around the town, a campaign to resurrect the Tameside team is gathering momentum and now they are calling on Greater Manchester to do their bit.
Set up by the club’s head of media Nigel Barlow, those trying to keep the Droylsden alive — a club which was founded all the way back in 1892 — have been holding productive meetings since January and people in the area are already showing their love and support for their local side.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up with over £2,500 in donations raised since February. However, they still have some way to go if they hope to reach their total £10k target.
We have made some progress and thank to those who have donated over the last few days following our update but we still need more help #bloodsrevivalhttps://t.co/L8R2UTHFaE
As written in the description of the fundraiser, “Droylsden Football Club is on its way back but we need your help to carry on this great club’s 140-year plus history…
“After two positive fan meetings with over 100 fans in attendance… we now know what the first steps are in order to allow us to play football at the Butchers Arms [Ground] again.”
Barlow goes on to explain how the bulk of the money will go towards helping “gain a safety certificate allowing us to play football at the ground and welcome fans back” with renovations including “replacing bird netting and roof netting… safety floor markings… some perimeter fencing”, labour costs and more.
The stadium was also sadly vandalised following its closure shortly after lockdown hit, with several repairs now needed in the William Pace Stand, named after the father of current manager and former player Dave Pace, who still remains in post despite the team’s future remaining uncertain.
To date, thanks to all those who have donated so far and The Community Payback team spearheading the prospective comeback, more than £5,300 is said to have been raised as of 6 April.
Moreover, in a statement issued to ‘The Bloods’ Facebook page, they informed supporters that “the North West Counties are behind our application to join the league in 2023/24 season”, although they are still waiting for full confirmation from the FA.
In the meantime, the club have continued to carry out numerous charitable efforts together with the local community, having been holding everything from charitable collection nights and family horse racing days to sports memorabilia auctions.
It goes without saying that the club are asking for more Mancs to help and have reiterated that any donation, no matter how big or small, would be greatly appreciated.
We wish all the best for Droylsden FC and their future which, hopefully, lies back on the pitch and packing out the Butcher’s Arms every weekend.
You can donate to Droylsden’s resurrection fundraiser HERE.
Local LGBTQIA+ football team Manchester Laces are set to play in the FA Cup for the first time ever
Danny Jones
Inclusive football team Manchester Laces are set to break even more new ground are they prepare to compete in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time ever.
What a truly incredible few years it’s been for the club.
Set to play their maiden match in the female division of the sport’s oldest competition this weekend, Manchester Laces’ Yellows squad will be taking on rival Greater Manchester Women’s Football League (GMWFL) side, Northwich Victoria, in another historic milestone for the local outfit.
Announced last month, the game is now fast approaching, and they’re hoping that plenty of Manc natives will turn up in support.
For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Manchester Laces has grown to become the leading women’s, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ positive sporting bodies in the region.
In fact, as part of a wider family – which includes clubs in Hackney, South London and Limehouse Laces, not to mention players over in Canada too – they’re comfortably one of the biggest in the entire country.
Sticking with MCR Laces alone, founded by Helen Hardy, they have grown so much in reputation and size that they have six different teams besides just the Yellows: the other Manchester squads include the Blues, Greens, Oranges, Purples, as well as the budding new Reds and Blacks.
It’s this kind of impressive expansion and, crucially, representation that has seen them win two Football v Homophobia Awards and Grassroots Initiative of the Year back in 2023.
Side-note: they also happen to have one of our favourite fooy kits of the entire year so far…
Boasting a new regular stadium at Timpson Road and set to take part not only in the North West Women’s Regional Football League (NWWFL)/GMWFL, but now FA Cup and county cup games, 2025 could be their most momentous year yet.
Providing access to countless women and people from within the queer and non-binary community who love the beautiful game and may have otherwise struggled to find an outlet, their work has been crucial in and around Greater Manchester.
With that in mind, taking part in an inaugural run within the prestigious knockout tournament feels like yet another watershed moment for the organisation.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, the club wrote on social media: “In 2021, we started our journey in Div 2 of the GMWFL with the aim of creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all. After winning consecutive league titles and earning back-to-back promotions, we are now a Tier 6 team.
“Yellows are delighted to be stepping into the magic of the FA Cup for the very first time, and we would love to see you there!
Taking place at both Wythenshawe Town FC’s and the Yellows’ own new home ground of Ericstan Park on Sunday, 7 September (2pm KO), we wish them the best of luck.
A huge Hot Wheels monster truck event is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
A massive Hot Wheels-themed monster truck event is coming to Manchester city centre as part of a brand new UK tour.
You can file this under one for the kids and for the big kids.
Following the success of the brand’s award-winning ‘Glow-N-Fire’ event earlier this year, Hot Wheels is hitting the road once again and bringing the explosive show to yet more domestic audiences.
Whether you’re a monster truck enthusiast, part of the wider motorhead masses, or simply looking for something fun to do with the little ones, you should be all over this.
Credit: Pres shots (supplied)
What is Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire?
Produced by Family Entertainment Live, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ sees versions of the genuine collectable toys brought to life on the biggest scale possible.
Remember that old miniature car you had that looked like a shark? Yep, they’ve even got that.
But there’s much more than just colossally large vehicles; as well as the debut of an all-new truck called the ‘Rhinomite’ – the dynamite Rhino-themed truck which charges horn-first into challenges and looks to destroy the competition – the new and improved experience will feature never-before-seen stunts.
Performed not only by the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks drivers, but also by a talented roster of FMX (freestyle motocross), you can expect the likes of no-handed front flips and much more by these impressive professionals.
Returning not only to the capital but now Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds too, more and more Brits are going to be able to see the action for themselves.
Credit: Supplied
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – UK tour dates
Saturday to Sunday, 3-4 January 2026: AO Arena, Manchester
Sat-Sun, 10-11 January: The O2 Arena, London
Sat-Sun, 28-29 March: First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
Sat-Sun, 4-5 April: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Sat-Sun, 11-12 April: Utilita Arena, Birmingham
With special children’s pricing, VIP packages and even the chance to participate in the official pre-show party, held two and a half hours prior to every performance, there really is so much value-for-money to be soaked up from this high-octane piece of live entertainment at the AO Arena.
The pre-show party, specifically, gives fans a unique opportunity to access the arena floor where they can get up close and personal with the outrageous Hot Wheels designs and the truly epic size of a minster struck, as well as grab autographs and selfies with their favourites.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Manchester tickets
Glow-N-Fire won the most recent Pollstar ‘Family Show of the Year’ award and has sold thousands of tickets this year alone, so it goes without saying that you have every reason to give this one a go.
Tickets for next year’s Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live show at the AO Arena in Manchester go on sale this Friday, 5 September at 10am.
Danny Jones -
11th April 2023 
