The Manchester football club that's become so much more

A Manchester football club which prides itself on diversity and inclusivity has become a lifeline for scores of local people since its launch twelve months ago.

Happy Somedays FC was set up by Joe Farrar, 33, who was desperate to get back on the pitch after a leg injury, but feared the weight he'd put on during lockdown would hold him back.

The club is open to anyone of any age or ability, with many of the players having disabilities, or trouble with their mental and physical health.

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Since Joe launched the club last June, numbers have grown rapidly at their training ground in Wythenshawe. And players have even gone on to start playing matches with like-minded teams.

But the football team has become so much more than that in recent months and now provides a safe space for members to socialise and keep fit.

Speaking to the M.E.N, Joe said: "About a year ago we were getting about 30 guys coming an around ten women but now we have over 50 men a week and around 16 women.

"We have networked and found like-minded groups so we have been able to play friendlies. We have been to Fleetwood and invited teams here from all over the North West.

"Some of the girls have come from never playing football to playing friendlies and tournaments. They won a game the other day and came second in a tournament too."

The club has now started running weekly fitness classes at a discounted rate, and Joe says there are plans to start a running club in the near future too.

"We are a non-profit club that has always been our goal but we have built a bit of a kitty so we can offer fitness sessions to people for free," Joe said.

"When they are booking they can select for us to pay for them