Recreational Women’s Football Teams in Greater Manchester

So you fancy football do you? You'll be joining hundreds of thousands of women up and down the country playing the beautiful game. I run a team in Greater Manchester and I'm often asked about options across the county. So here's my round up of some of the recreational women's football teams around and about the area.

Stacey MacNaught
Published June 12, 2025
Updated June 2025

In Greater Manchester, we’re really lucky to have the Greater Manchester Women’s Flexi League which offers 9 a side flexible football for loads of women from all over Manchester and the surrounding areas.

So if you’re looking to start playing women’s football in a more flexible, recreational format, joining a Flexi League team is a great shout.

My team (Saddleworth 3Ds Women) have just finished our first season in the Flexi League and a brilliant time, met some awesome teams and people and will be entering again next season.

Here are my recommendations for women’s football teams in Greater Manchester ideal for those looking to play recreationally.

Saddleworth 3Ds – Women’s Football in Oldham

Oh hi. That’s me. We’re always welcoming new players to our women’s football team in Oldham and expect to be fielding 2 teams in the Flexi League next season.

We also have great socials, an annual (or more!!) away weekend and loads of fun.

In March 25, we went up to Scotland for a few days to play several games of football over a weekend, with 6 of staying on an extra couple of days to hike up Ben Lomond.

Training time: 7pm Tuesdays in Oldham Town Centre. Match days vary depending on the opposition. Our home games are Fridays.

With two teams, we’ll be accommodating women of all abilities.

Age: 25+

Manchester Laces – Teams in Manchester

One of the loveliest bunch we met all last season was Manchester Laces Blues. Manchester Laces is a huge club in Manchester welcoming women of all ages and abilities. It has a beginner’s session and has teams right up to division 1 of the Flexi League as well as 11 a side. So there are loads of options there.

Bury FC Recreational

Bury FC fielded something like 9 teams in the Flexi League last season – teams in each division. The number of women playing football at Bury really is remarkable, so for those living in Bury and looking to get started, regardless of age or ability, this is a great place to start.

GTAS – Rochdale

GTAS fielded a side in division 4 of the MW Flexi League last season and are based in Rochdale!

Again, a lovely bunch when we’ve come up against them, often recruiting players of all ages.

That covers Manchester, Bury, Rochdale and Oldham 9 a side women’s recreational football. So if you’re looking to give it a go, contact your nearest!

Stacey MacNaught

Stacey's a hiking enthusiast and mother of 3. She's obsessed with bagging munros and crossing ridges. She also runs a recreational women's football team, has been involved in coaching junior football.