A new next-generation football centre has launched in the TraffordCity retail and leisure complex over in (you guessed it) Trafford and, believe us, this is much more than another five-a-side venue.
Fives Soccer Centre‘s new Manchester site is a revolutionary small-sided football venue offering locals the chance to play the beautiful game like they never have before.
Complete with state-of-the-art technology, the world-class facilities at the brand new Fives Trafford span across eight pitches, each measuring larger than the standard-sized pitches — the first in the UK to be approved by the FA, in fact.
Located just next door to Chill Factore, iFly indoor skydiving and, of course, the Trafford Centre, the industry-leading football centre is about connecting players to the game and turning a kick-about into a more immersive experience. There were even some famous faces down to celebrate the launch.
Each Fives pitch offers individual player tracking, allowing everyone to analyse their performance in minute detail and log their stats into a user-friendly app after a game.
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Providing everything from analytics and leaderboards to video match replays and highlights in the dedicated Fives mobile app, this place brings you closer to understanding your own game than any other five-a-side pitch ever has.
The new app and QR code system also allows players to check availability, control floodlights, access pitches even after they’re done to watch and share their game footage, check digital scoreboards and, most importantly, confirm and split payments for bookings. No more chasing your mates for the money.
CEO Scott Penman says that the hope is that “Fives can change the shape of 5-a-side football over the coming years and encourage a more diverse and inclusive customer base into the sport we all love.”
Moreover, Fives Soccer Centres (founded in 2018) isn’t just about bringing that added level of professionalism and digitalisation, it’s also crucially about providing an open and modern space to play for people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Manchester United and England stars Katie Zelem and Nikita Parris were both present for the launch event and spoke about how envious they are that the next generation of young players can now hone their abilities at such an impressive facility.
Speaking on launch day on 1 November, United Women’s captain Zelem said Fives is “leading the way in offering a professional experience to all players”, adding, “I really feel like the future of football is safe hands.”
The facility is open to the public and individual pitches and leagues can be booked via the Football Fives mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
For more information on how to get involved, as well as event bookings, visit www.football5s.com/
Here’s our petition for ‘Wonderwall’ to become England’s new football anthem
Danny Jones
All things considered, England have made a great start to the 2026 World Cup, pitching themselves as one of the great entertainers this tournament, and the scenes of the supporters and players alike serenading an entire stadium with ‘Wonderwall’ after the full-time whistle gave us chills.
So why not time for a change?
After all, that feels a lot like what this World Cup squad is about: a new manager, new teammates, not clinging to the previous ways of playing – and perhaps it’s time to put ‘Sweet Caroline’ to one side.
Now, we’re by no means saying that we’re ‘done’ with the John Denver anthem that has been reborn as a Three Lions anthem, but look at how good it was watching England belting out Oasis with the fans.
“Today is gonna be the day that England beat Croatia 4-2”, as BBC’s Match of the Day cleverly quipped.
Obviously, we’re biased as Mancs, but we also think there’s something special about having that particular track feel so good to hear again.
As much as we love Oasis, for a long time, it felt like we couldn’t enjoy arguably their biggest-ever single anywhere near as much as we once did.
We assume it’s something akin to hearing ‘Mr Brightside’ non-stop for what felt like millennia, and in truth, hearing those repetitions of “ba, ba, ba… SO GOOD, SO GOOD!” over and over again at sporting fixtures beyond just national team games has taken the magic out of it at times.
Perhaps it’s just a case of saturation in certain settings and songs simply being overplayed – FIFA’s co-hosts over in the US certainly helped see to that when it came to ‘Wonderwall’ for a long time.
On the other hand, it feels like we’ve now come full circle; singing those famous lyrics at the top of our lungs in a sea of Mancs and fans travelling from all over to Heaton Park for Live ’25 last year felt better than ever, and like we’d all remembered how great a tune it’s always been. So did this…
In fact, this felt so emotional that you’ve got people who aren’t even English praising both those on the pitch and up in the stands for the moment online.
Even the admittedly rather American Man vs Food himself, Adam Richman (though he does have British ancestry), felt compelled to write a moving response on social media: “Shut up. You’re the one that’s crying. Bravo, England.”
He’s far from the only one who was left bowled over by the atmosphere – us included.
And in case you’re wondering just how strongly we feel about this one, you can sign a literal petition we’ve made for ‘Wonderwall’ to become the new England World Cup anthem for 2026 right HERE.
Featured Images — Oasis/ITV Sport (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
Manchester United set to release two classic remake kits, including a ‘blackout’ shirt
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly planning to release not just one, but another two classic remake kits, based on one of their most recognisable shirts of all time.
As many other teams have done for special anniversaries and limited edition strips, one of them is set to be a ‘blackout’ version of the iconic design, too.
Having already dropped a re-release of the 1990-92 ‘snowflake’ away kit this past April, along with various other bits of lifestyle/casualwear, the success of their retro range needs no explanation.
With that in mind, supporters who remember the initial Adidas era, football fashionistas and collectors alike will no doubt be clamouring to get their hands on either or both of these shirts.
The right-hand side is an educated prediction by the outlet. (Credit: Footy Headlines)
Based on the same adidas Originals template initially used for the 1986-88- home kit, according to the ever-reliable Footy Headlines, a similar faithful recreation is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
We’ve already heard rumblings of a Man United fourth kit expected to be added to their rotation for the upcoming campaign, but this is thought to be separate from the match-worn 2026/27 alternate.
As you can see, the rumoured ’86 remake by United will mark 30 years since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson first took charge of the club, before going on to spend the best of three decades there himself.
Featuring the traditional ‘adi trefoil’ logo and the famous Sharp Electronics sponsor on the front, as well as the sublimated old school pattern – just as seen with the aforementioned modern edition of the ’90-92 jersey – the second version will be exactly the same, only, you guessed it: all black.
With the INEOS ownership group clearly looking to double down on nostalgia and the improving mood around the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ now that they’re back in the Champions League, revenues already look to be on the rise.
Ruben Amorim famously turned this down – but not Michael Carrick…
The retro range has become just the latest of several new money spinners for the Red Devils as they look to get their finances back on track, as well as their performances on the pitch.
This summer transfer window is also now open, and with one deal already said to be done and at least a couple more in the pipeline, the income from merchandising will no doubt help to fund at least part of their various lots of these deals this year.
It isn’t just new players they have to pay for either, as it’s also costing them north of £1 million to returf the pitch inside the ground – and they still have the prospect of a new stadium to replace Old Trafford, let’s not forget.
Danny Jones -
25th November 2022 
