Manchester Laces are a community football club founded in 2021 by Helen Hardy of Foudys Fame. The aim was to provide an inclusive space for women, non-binary, and trans players.
The club has expanded quickly, now running several teams that cater to different abilities and goals — from competitive 11-a-side squads to flexible, beginner-friendly sessions. With regular weekly training and its own alternative league, the Laces welcome players of all ages and skill levels, making football accessible whether someone wants to compete or simply enjoy the social side of the game.
Inclusivity and wellbeing are at the heart of the club’s mission. Recognised as the National Grassroots Club of the Year in 2022, Manchester Laces has gained attention for building community and promoting mental health as much as sporting success.
This weekend’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup tie against FC United of Manchester is the biggest of the club’s short history and it has been my pleasure to speak to the first team manager, Tamsyn Elkie-O’Connor, in the build-up to the match.
When Tamsyn first joined Manchester Laces, she had no idea her time at the club would take her from trophy-winning goalkeeper to manager. “It’s been one hell of a ride since I joined the club, that’s for sure,” she reflects. Originally, she came along to play casually as her career was winding down. But the warmth of the club and the people involved quickly drew her in, and she found herself playing every game as the team earned promotion.
However, life on the pitch took an unexpected turn when she tore her ACL. In the same summer, the club’s coach departed, leaving Tamsyn — the most experienced member of the squad with some coaching qualifications — in charge almost by default. What might have been a daunting challenge became a remarkable opportunity. “It hasn’t turned out too bad,” she admits. “We managed to win a treble last year — winning the league with a last-minute winner and then two cup finals 4-0. Last season, I was Player/Manager, and fortunately, my ACL healed fast enough to give me that last season playing before I was forced into retirement this summer. I certainly did not envisage becoming the manager when I first arrived. We call it more of a happy accident.”
This weekend, Manchester Laces face one of their biggest challenges yet: an FA Cup tie against FC United of Manchester. For a club that began with a handful of friends, the journey to this stage is almost unimaginable. “My first game for the club, we had nine players, somebody’s girlfriend who had never played football before made it ten, and then somebody’s mate turned up at half-time to give us eleven,” Tamsyn recalls.
“If you’d told me that day this club would be playing in the FA Cup, I would’ve thought you were mad.” That modest beginning underscores how extraordinary the club’s growth has been. “We’ve earned every bit of success, and we’re so proud of everyone involved. Ultimately, we’re just super excited to host such a game in the FA Cup. I don’t think we could have hand-picked a more exciting tie.”
Facing a well-established side like FC United presents a formidable test, but Tamsyn is confident in her players’ abilities. “When you come up against these teams who’ve been at higher levels for a while, you know it’s going to be a really hard game. Last season we played Curzon Ashton in the county cup and lost 3-2, but we put on a real performance to be proud of. When you play teams from higher levels, you have to be at full tilt 110% for the full 90 minutes.”
Despite this challenge, she insists that the Laces’ players should feel no pressure. “There’s absolutely no pressure on us. You think of FC United and the backing and structure they have compared to us — we shouldn’t be competing. But what we do have is a hell of a group of players who work so hard and are so talented. I honestly think we can give anyone a game, and I back us every single time we step on the pitch.”
Preparation for the tie has maintained the club’s ethos of fun and community. “The focus at our club is always enjoyment,” Tamsyn explains. “We make sure training is engaging and fun in a positive environment.” Even in the run-up to a high-profile cup tie, the Laces have embraced the chaos and quirks that make them who they are. From hot sauce challenges for sponsors to floodlight failures and even a small fire at their home ground, Tamsyn smiles: “No matter where we end up, we’ll always be a park team at heart. It wouldn’t be Laces without a bit of a faff.”
The club’s success is built on both talent and loyalty. Long-standing players have been instrumental in Manchester Laces’ journey. “Lucy Thornton joined the club in its first year and is still with us now — she’s one of the first names on the teamsheet. Hayley Nash came in during our second season and was our top scorer last year, so that tells you about her ability. Clara Rodríguez has been with us for years and she’s as good on the ball as Alexia Putellas. And our skipper, Lauren Tutty, is the real heart and engine of the team. Her work sometimes goes unnoticed but she’s so important.”
Beyond the pitch, Tamsyn sees the tie as a statement about inclusivity and the growth of women’s football in Manchester. “It’s a proper red vs blue, north vs south Manchester battle. It’s also brilliant that FC appointed Elsie as head coach this summer — more female coaches being given jobs at regional and national levels is great to see.
Hopefully this tie showcases the quality in the lower leagues across Manchester.” The club’s fans have also been integral to their rise. “Our fans were massive in the previous round. We’ve played in front of one man and his dog before, so getting over 200 through the gate last time was special. If FC outnumber us, it won’t bother us — if anything it’ll help us as the underdog.”
For Tamsyn, the personal stakes are high. “It would mean so much to me and the club as a wider unit. Across the years we’ve been told we couldn’t compete against clubs we’ve beaten, and it’s one of the best feelings. This one would be so special given the occasion — no matter the result, I’m proud of the players and club for where we have got to.”
As Manchester Laces prepare for the big day, Tamsyn’s enthusiasm is infectious. “Come down the Ericstan and let’s put on a right barn burner. Up the Laces!”
