in the know

Meet Our Local Sports Club – Longford Park JFC..

Longford Park JFC — Building Community Through Football

Nestled in the heart of Stretford, Greater Manchester, Longford Park Junior Football Club (LPJFC) is a thriving grassroots football club that gives local children and adults the chance to play, learn, and grow through the beautiful game.

Colin and Nathan (Father and son)  the club founders created Longford Park JFC 15 years ago and  has grown from a small community project into a well-respected organisation, recognised with FA Charter Standard Club status — a mark of excellence in coaching, welfare, and organisation. But at its core, LPJFC remains true to its founding principles: fun, inclusion, and community.

Our Mission and Values

At Longford Park JFC, we believe that football is for everyone. Our mission is simple — to provide a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where young people of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive.

We focus on four key values that shape everything we do:

  • ⚽ Fun First: If children aren’t enjoying their football, nothing else matters. Every session is designed to build confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of the game.
  • 🤝 Inclusivity: We welcome players of all abilities and circumstances. Everyone gets the chance to learn, play, and progress — no one is left on the sidelines.
  • 🌱 Development Through Community: By bringing together children and adults of different ages, we encourage teamwork, leadership, and mutual respect. Older players often mentor younger ones, helping to build lasting bonds.
  • 🛡️ Safety and Professionalism: As an FA-accredited club, we uphold high standards in coaching, welfare, and safeguarding, ensuring every child is supported both on and off the pitch.

Longford Park JFC offers football opportunities for boys and girls and adults across a wide range of ages and skill levels. Our sessions combine skill development with teamwork, creativity, and fun.

Training sessions take place across local venues such as Longford Park School, Stretford Grammar, Moss Park School and St Anthony’s School. Matches are held throughout the season, giving every player a chance to shine.

Our Team

Longford Park JFC is powered by dedicated volunteers, coaches, and parents who give their time and energy to make the club what it is.

Club Committee:

  • Colin Lowe — Chairman
  • Natalie Petrykowski — Club Secretary
  • Nathan Lowe — Disciplinary Officer
  • Gary Liddle — Female co-ordinator 

Together with a team of qualified coaches, safeguarding officers, and parent helpers, they ensure every child’s football journey is safe, supportive, and rewarding.

Community and Growth

Over the years, the club has continued to expand — adding new teams, improving facilities, and creating more opportunities for children and ladies teams in Stretford and the surrounding areas.

Our Wildcats girls’ programme has grown rapidly, encouraging more young girls to take up the sport and helping to build confidence both on and off the pitch.

The club’s commitment to community engagement has also led to partnerships with local schools, sponsors, and neighbourhood initiatives — proving that football can be a force for good far beyond the touchline.

Looking Ahead

As Longford Park JFC continues to grow, our goal remains the same: to make grassroots football accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for every child/adult who wants to play.

We’re always on the lookout for new players, coaches, and volunteers who share our passion for football and community.

📍 Find us: longfordparkjfc.co.uk

📧 Contact: collowe@me.com

⚽ Join the Team. Play. Learn. Belong.

📱Message Colin 07793387636

Eddie – Wednesday 8th October 2025. (Images and text supplied by Colin).