And there is everything to play for as well as local pride. Wythenshawe Town are currently in third place in the league, with Wythenshawe Amateurs just one point behind in fifth.
This season marks the 25-year anniversary of Kick It Out.
On its website, Wythenshawe Town said: “Having started as ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football’ in 1993, Kick It Out has evolved into an organisation which – working alongside its partners The FA, the PremierLeague, the English Football League, The Professional Footballers’ Association, the League Managers Association and the Football Supporters’ Federation, among others – fights ALL forms of discrimination in the game we love.
“In the 2018/19 season and beyond, we want everyone involved in football to continue to campaign for equality and challenge discrimination, while playing a part in shaping a fair and inclusive future for everyone who loves the game.“
You can report discrimination to Kick It Out via their app, via email on report@kickitout.org, via their online reporting form on their website, or via freephone on 0800 169 9414.
Stockport Plaza has now established a tradition of staging summer or spring pantomimes, and the latest offering is great Easter weekend treat for all the family
The show is the the retelling of the classic tale, as old as time itself, of Beauty and the Beast.
It has something for everyone, with just enough Disney, just enough raucous humour, slapstick and enough song and dance to keep punters happy.
And judging by the reaction from the youngsters watching and joining in the fun this production, staged by Regal entertainment certainly hits the spot.
Kiera-Nicole Brennan and James Lacey are charming in the title roles and the vain muscle-bound Gaston who is competing for Belle’s affections superbly played by Philip McGuiness.
But it is funnyman Lewis Devine who steals the show, providing the belly laughs and playing to an appreciative audience as French Frank with the aid of Si Foster as Pretty Polly, adding to the hilarity.
After leaving audiences rolling in the theatre aisles laughing with his recent performance as Buttons in Cinderella, and as Muddles in Snow White, both at St Helens, Lewis bring the same hilarity to Stockport this Easter.
And Stockport Plaza audiences may remember Philip McGuiness as Tin Man 2016’s production of The Wizard of Oz, while his panto appearances for Regal Entertainments include Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
If you’re after an Easter treat for the kids this is it.
Runs till Monday April 22.
Tickets from www.stockportplaza.co.uk.
An MP has called on the FA to show stronger leadership in the fight to kick racism out of football after Wythenshawe Town’s manager was suspended after he stood up to racist abuse at a match earlier this year.
Town manager, James Kinsey ordered his players off the field following racist comments to a player at the game against Rylands in January.
Mr Kinsey was fined and suspended for seven days at an FA hearing. The person who made the comments was also disciplined.
Kick It Out, football’s anti-discrimination campaign, said it was “extremely concerned” at reports that some grassroots clubs “have been facing fines for standing up to racist abuse received by their players”.
And yesterday, Wythenshawe MP, Mike Kane backed the club and the manager.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Kane said: “I am a lifelong Man City fan and a season ticket holder, so I am extraordinarily proud of what Raheem Sterling does on the pitch and his action on anti-racism off it.
“My wife and I are also fans of Wythenshawe Town. In January, the manager James Kinsey took the players off the pitch when the assistant referee was clearly racist to one of our players. That accusation against the assistant referee was subsequently proven and he faces a charge of disrepute, yet the club and the manager still face charges for leading the players off the pitch. Does the Minister agree that the FA needs to show more consistency and leadership on whether and when players should walk off the pitch and whether there should be fines for it?”
And Mr Kane was backed by sports minister, Mims Davies. She said: “I absolutely agree. The FA needs to review its rules and guidance to enable clubs to be effective and consistent in these situations. As we have heard, ultimately we are talking about a workplace, where people should not be subjected to abuse but supported either to walk away or to stand up to it.”
Wythenshawe Town chairman Chris Eaton said the decision to sanction the manager was “appalling”.
He told the BBC: “We don’t think he [Mr Kinsey] did anything wrong… so why should we suffer?”
An Independent Regulatory Commission delivered its verdict on Tuesday that the charge against the assistant referee of “‘aggravated’ breach of FA Rule E3” was proven.
Marie Carmody (Cardinal Maritime), Janet Parish (Timpson) and Andy Park (Executive Head, Newall Green High School)
Four businesses in South Manchester have donated £60,000 to Newall Green High School in Wythenshawe to provide additional cultural and social experiences for students.
The money, which will be used to provide “extra curricular activities they may not normally experience during the course of the childhood”, has been given by freight services provider Cardinal Maritime, engineering firm Endress+Hauser, jam maker Duerr’s and shoe repair to dry cleaning giant Timpson.
Executive head teacher Andy Park said the school was extremely fortunate to have found four companies willing to invest time, facilities and finance into supporting the development of young people.
He added that it was vital for the children to “develop good levels of knowledge and experience the widest range of cultural and social experiences if they are to succeed in their GCSE / Key Stage 4 examinations and go on to secure the very best employment opportunities in the future”.
The activities will involve working with the Manchester International Festival, John Rylands Library and the National Trust, among others.
“The companies who are supporting us financially are also working with us creatively to develop opportunities to enhance the careers education we offer our students,” he said.
“They are providing a range of learning experiences such as employer visits, mentoring, mock interviews, world of work days, extended work experience placements and supported routes into apprenticeships.”
“Businesses talk about CSR, we call it CSO – corporate social opportunity,” said Brian Hay, chief executive at Cardinal Maritime. “Business can be a force for good, spending time mentoring young people and inviting 16-to-18-year olds into our business.
“Here’s a group of companies that recruit lots of head office staff in the area and want to do what they can to make a difference to these children’s lives.”
Steven Endress, managing director, Endress+Hauser added: “Endress+Hauser Ltd is headquartered in Wythenshawe and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“We recognise that we couldn’t have achieved this significant milestone without the support of the local community and schools within. We hope that our donation will be recognised as a big ‘thank you’ to both children and teachers and a reminder that we support them whole heartedly.”
In addition to the £60,000, Timpson has also donated a further £10,000 to local charity BW3, which which runs mentoring and development programmes in the Wythenshawe area and is backed by funding from Manchester City Council.
Helen Oakley, trustee at the Alex Timpson Trust said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the other businesses and with BW3 to support Newall Green.
“When we were first introduced to the school we were struck by the passion and drive of the leadership team and their genuine care for each individual student and we wanted this bursary to support them in broadening the horizons and experiences of their young people, some of whom will become our colleagues of the future.”
BW3 was founded in 2002 and stands for Businesses Working With Wythenshawe. Key partners include Cardinal Maritime, Manchester Airports Group, Manchester City Council and Wythenshawe Housing Trust.
Timpson has donated £30,000 to Newall Green School, with £10,000 each from Cardinal Maritime, Duerr’s and Endress+Hauser.
Wythenshawe Park Riding Stables has scooped a top prize in the UK 2019 Adventure Award.
The riding school, which was founded nineteen years ago as a family business won “Best Horse Riding Experience” in the awards.
Most recently the school has begun supporting their strong volunteer base by offering the Y.E.L.A. (Young Equestrian Leaders’ Award) scheme, which enables participants to gain an industry recognized qualification.
Many of the volunteers have got jobs in the equine sector. The school also offers open access, catering for riders who have a variety of additional needs.
Delighted directors Miss Fiona Jackson and Damon Atkinson said: “Winning this award is confirmation of the effort and hard work that is put in by all our team who strive with us to achieve the best possible experiences for our clients.
“This will enable us to promote our facilities to advertise our services to a wider community in the North West. We believe passionately that horse riding helps riders to develop skills, gain confidence and engage with our local community. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. Winning this award is a major achievement for us and confirms our belief in the vision that we have for the stables.”
But it is funnyman Lewis Devine who steals the show, providing the belly laughs and playing to an appreciative audience as French Frank with the aid of Si Foster as Pretty Polly, adding to the hilarity.
