The Dale Trust and Dale Community Trust can today announce a formal partnership between the two as we look to work together to increase the good work that is being done to benefit the community of Rochdale.
Historically, there has always been a strong relationship between the two, with Keith Hicks and Siobhan McElhenny representing the Rochdale AFC Community Trust’ on the Dale Trust Board pretty much since the creation of the Trust back in 2004, but the set up of the new partnership will ensure that the Head of the Rochdale AFC Community Trust will always retain a co-opted place on the Trust Board. To fulfil that, Rochdale AFC Community Trust’s Ryan Bradley will join the Dale Trust Board.
Furthermore, the Dale Trust will now have a representative on the Dale Community Trust Board for the very first time, with Trust volunteer Ian Wright stepping up to join them. In doing so, we will become one of a very select number of clubs to enjoy such a relationship, following in the footsteps of Exeter City and Accrington Stanley.
Part of the Dale Trust’s objectives include: “Promoting responsible and constructive engagement by present and future members of the communities served by the Club and encouraging the Club to do the same.”
Trust Chair Colin Cavanah said: “For many years, Rochdale AFC Community Trust have done excellent work throughout our town, and we hope to help build on that by working with them on this new partnership. Initially, we will be looking at seeing how both parties can work together, whilst celebrating and publicising existing activities. We have no doubt that Ian will be a brilliant addition to the charity’s Board.”
When asked about the new role, Ian Wright said: ““I’m really looking forward to developing this role and keeping the important link between the Trusts. Over the years Keith and Shiv have done a fantastic job keeping the Supporters Trust up to date with all the sterling work and various projects the Community Trust have been involved with, a lot of which goes unnoticed. These are interesting and exciting times, with the Community Trust and the football club having a lot of new faces and fresh ideas, all of which, combined, should be only a good thing for RAFC and the town as a whole.”
Rochdale AFC Community Trust’ Head Ryan Bradley added: “We are delighted to accept a position on the Dale Trust board and offer a reciprocal trusteeship at Rochdale AFC Community Trust.
“There is a long standing relationship between the two organisations and we wanted to cement that, as well as ensure fans views are represented in the work of the clubs official charity.
“There is now complete transparency and board representation between club, the supporters and the wider the community, ensuring that we all pull in one direction for the good of Rochdale AFC.”