Community News – 20th Jan

Programme notes from the Football in the Community.

Hi everybody for today’s clash against our opponents from Southend

TODAY’S MASCOTS

Matthew Hughes, aged 11, was born in Rochdale and has supported Dale since he could walk. His favourite players are Ian Henderson and Matty Done, he hopes both score today to make his day. Matthew’s hobbies are playing football, basketball, watching movies and gaming.

Samuel Pemberton is nine years old today – Happy Birthday Samuel. Samuel and his grandad are season ticket holders at Rochdale and Samuel loves watching the matches. His favourite players are Brendan Moore, Callum Camps and Ian Henderson. Samuel also enjoys playing football, the guitar and PS4, and enjoys tours around football stadiums. Samuel’s family are here today, they wish him a very Happy Birthday and hope he has a wonderful time as mascot.

BIRTHDAY TREAT

Kory Gaunt is celebrating his 7th birthday today with friends and is looking forward to watching his first ever proper match.

He is in Year 2 at Crossgates Primary School, Milnrow and LOVES football, at which he plays for Milnrow Juniors Under 7’s currently and is a great all round player. Apart from football Kory loves going to Beavers and watching WWE.

HALF TIME CHALLENGE MATCH

Today’s lucky teams are Pennine FC and Whitworth Valley Under 9’s-please get behind them on their memorable day out at the Crown Oil Arena.

For the match against Walsall, we witnessed a classic encounter between Caldershaw Primary School and Siobhan’s young Academy team, assembled at the last minute after a late withdrawal of our friends from St Mary’s Primary School, Bacup

ROCHDALE AFC LADIES UPDATE

Fabulous start for our new crop of players representing Rochdale AFC Ladies Under 9’s in a Futsal Tournament at Manchester Power League organised by Manchester FA & South Manchester Girls League winning 1-0, 2-0, 8-0, drawing 1-1 followed by a 0-1 loss, this was the first time they have ever played together in this inaugural event so well girls.

We run sessions for Under 9’s through to Open Age every Wednesday night 5-7pm with teams playing in the South Manchester Girls League & Greater Manchester Women’s League

I would like to thank everybody attending our annual Christmas Party, especially the many parents for taking time out of busy schedules to get the players to the Ratcliffe Arms.

Big thanks to DJ Jules for the tunes plus Nicola and mums for providing the buffet and not forgetting Santa and his little helpers for handing out Xmas presents to everyone.

HOLIDAY FOOTBALL/MULTI-SPORTS COURSES

Last day of the Christmas festive courses at the Soccer Factory proved to be an amazing way to finish with 32 boys and girls taking advantage of the various activities delivered by Trust Coaches.

It was one of our most successful courses ever running over seven days with over 100 attenders also receiving complimentary tickets for Rochdale AFC home matches against Walsall and Blackpool plus appearances by Kgosi Ntlhe & Bradden Inman.

Arrangements have already been made for the February half term holidays when we are at three venues in Rochdale and as usual bookings or more info can be obtained by contacting me on 07958593121 or email:keith.hicks@rochdaleafc.co.uk

CALVIN ANDREW-THE POWER OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

After scoring against Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup 3rd Round a young supporter, Poppy, wrote to Calvin to congratulate him and on receiving a letter back asking if she would start training at Rochdale AFC Ladies with older sister, Holly, she came down to the session at the Soccer Factory and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Now she’s promised to continue every week much to the delight of her auntie, Siobhan our Community Sports Trust Assistant Manager-brilliant.

FUTSAL COACHING – JOIN THIS EXCITING BRAND NEW REVOLUTION

We are at the Soccer Factory, Royle Barn Road, Tuesdays 5.00 – 6.00pm

Starting on Tuesday this new initiative is aimed at anyone interested in improving skills focusing on technique, speed, ball mastery and possession

Now officially sanctioned by FIFA/UEFA/The FA and Futsal has become synonymous with Brazilian flair.

Messi, Squarez, Neymar & Ronaldo have paid tribute to the beneficial effects of playing Futsal in their youth.

Sessions involve coaching/fun games/matches and for only £3.00 per session

I’ll see you all back here at the Crown Oil Arena on Tuesday 30th January for the visit of our near neighbours from Wigan Athletic?