Hi everybody for the first home game of 2018/9-hope you away fans from Peterborough have had a good trip to Rochdale and enjoy our hospitality but leave the Crown Oil Arena empty handed.
From what I’ve seen over the Pre-Season friendlies plus the result at Burton Albion last Saturday, it looks like we will in for a good season with the usual brand of exciting football.
Since the end of last season, remembering the final day’s excitement and the World Cup displays from England, we have been extremely busy putting on activities to promote the Club as we don’t get a rest-some of these have been:
ROCHDALE AFC PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to present with Siobhan after the match against Charlton Athletic, the Community Sports Trust Player of the Season to Calvin Andrew plus watch Jack Johnstone and Sam Hicks awarding the Dale Dragons Player of the Season to Josh Lillis, both
well-deserved for their massive contributions over a long season.
SILVER DALES’ 60’s
A brand new venture with funding from Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group looking to provide healthier opportunities for our more senior fans.
The weekly group, targeting senior citizens in the Rochdale borough, is based here at the Club including a variety of activities like walking football/netball, mat bowls, darts, bingo, cards and much more.
We have taken the group on outings to Fleetwood, Grampa Greenes with many more excursions in the pipeline.
Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 3.00pm and free for anyone.
EFL TRUST WALKING FOOTBALL CUP
I must thank to this amazing bunch of lads for allowing me to be part of the team that progressed to National Finals of the competition at St George’s after competing the North West Regional Finals at Bolton Wanderers, winning three and drawing three games in boiling hot conditions.
Down at St Georges, we beat the eventual winners, Sheffield United 2-1 in our league fixture but 0-0 draws against Luton Town, Derby County and Bolton Wanderers wasn’t enough for us to progress onto the Final.
OUR BIG DAY
What a brilliant day we had with our contribution to the Rochdale Celebration of Cared For Children going down a storm with young and old people including the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Mohammed Zaman, and Chris Tyler, Virtual Head teacher, taking turns to take on our coaches at the penalty shoot out plus meeting Desmond the Dragon.
This was followed by England beating Sweden in the World Cup Quarter Finals, though I have to say that this didn’t compare to the smiling faces of the children taking penalties-fabulous day out for all concerned.
MASCOT-JACK BRIERLEY
Jack will be the first mascot to enjoy the fabulous package on offer throughout the season.
He is seven years old and will be going into year 3 at Caldershaw Primary School in September.
Jack enjoys all sports especially playing and watch football.
He is a Rochdale season ticket holder, favourite player being Ian Henderson, who he has been really looking forward to meet.
Enjoy a day to remember at the Crown Oil Arena with a mascot package.
Our exciting package, which is priced at £120, includes:
* Stadium tour of the Crown Oil Arena
* Meet the players for photographs and autographs
* Enjoy a kick about on the pitch prior to kick-off plus lead the players out onto the pitch
* Profile in our match day programme
* Two adult and two junior tickets for the game
Contact me on 07958593121 or email keith.hicks@rochdaleafc for more info
BIRTHDAY PARTY
Another fantastic activity for match days, which you can bring your friends to watch a Dale match involving;
* Meeting at 12.00noon at the Community Office for a Stadium tour of Rochdale AFC.
* Fun & games supervised by Community Sports Trust coaches.
* Lunch provided by McDonalds.
* Watch match in designated area in the Family Stand
(Complimentary tickets for all children plus 2 adults)
* Autographed football/goodie bag for birthday boy/girl.
Costs only £9.00 per child
SOCCER SCHOOLS
We have been extremely busy over the last few weeks catering for all those kids bored in the summer holidays with over 200 boys and girls having taken advantage of the many attractions on offer so far including:
* Learning new sports like basketball, volleyball plus athletics disciplines complimenting the normal
soccer drills on offer.
* Awards for Most Improved/Star Performer/Skills in each age group
* Meeting Rochdale AFC players (depending on availability)
* Discounts for families or attending more than one Course
* Coaching & supervision by FA Qualified & DBS Rochdale AFC Community Trust Staff
* Certificate of Attendance for all attenders
* Rochdale AFC Goodie Bag
* Complimentary tickets for Rochdale AFC homes matches
* TALENTED PLAYERS TO BE RECOMMENDED TO ROCHDALE AFC ACADEMY
Venues are located at:
Soccer Factory (Royle Barn Road, Castleton)
Monday 13th – Friday 17th August
Monday 20th – Friday 24th August
Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st August
Siddal Moor Sports College (Newhouse Road, Heywood)
Monday 20th – Friday 24th August
Littleborough Sports Centre (Calderbrook Road, Littleborough)
Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st August
Get in contact if you want something worthwhile to do in the next few weeks.
See you all again on Tuesday 21st August when we entertain Barnsley here at the Crown Oil Arena.
