Cheadle Town Stingers - A Brief History

The journey of Cheadle Town Stingers WFC is one of passion, perseverance, and phenomenal progress.

The team was originally formed in 1999 under the guise of Manchester Stingers - a pioneering club in the Greater Manchester women’s football scene. Known for their inclusive ethos and strong community roots, Manchester Stingers offered opportunities for players of all backgrounds to enjoy and compete in the game. Over two decades, they built a reputation as a welcoming, ambitious, and progressive club.

Following the COVID-19 suspension of grassroots football in 2020, a major transition took place. Ahead of the 2020/21 season, the team relocated to Park Road Stadium in SK8 and officially rebranded as Cheadle Town Stingers, forming a formal partnership with Cheadle Town FC. This move aligned the team with a growing and supportive footballing infrastructure. Unfortunately, that debut season was cut short again by the pandemic - but it set the stage for what would become a meteoric rise.

Under the guidance of Head Coach and Manager Dylan Wimbury, the Stingers hit their stride in 2021/22, claiming their first major silverware by winning the Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup. They successfully defended that trophy in 2022/23 and added the Argyle Sports Kit North West Regional Cup, showcasing their dominance and consistency.

That same season, they also made national headlines by reaching the Second Round of the FA Women’s Cup, narrowly losing 1–0 to National League Premier side Burnley - a performance that highlighted just how far the Stingers had come.

Then came the crowning achievement: in 2023/24, Cheadle Town Stingers did what many thought impossible. They won the North West Women’s Regional League – Premier Division, securing a historic promotion to the FA Women’s National League – Division One North for the 2024/25 season. This represents a remarkable rise through the football pyramid in just a few short seasons.

From their grassroots beginnings as Manchester Stingers to becoming one of the fastest-rising women’s teams in the region, the Stingers have never lost sight of their values: inclusivity, ambition, and togetherness.

With a new national chapter ahead, one thing is certain - the Stingers are only just getting started.