A message from Emma, our Travel Co-ordinator,
Wow, what a season!
We have had lots of highs and some lows, but what a way (even if it was nail-biting) to finish.
I don’t think my blood pressure could have taken much more!
I want to say a massive thank you to every single one of you that booked on the coaches this season. It has been an absolute pleasure.
Along with the regulars, it’s been fabulous to see lots of new faces too.
A huge thank you to my amazing chaperones, who we couldn’t run this service without. Your help and knowledge are invaluable.
It was fantastic to be on some of the coaches during the season too to experience an ‘Away Day’ from your perspective for a change.
I would also like to thank you all for the respect you have shown to us throughout the season.
I am proud that we have such a mix of ages, from young children to people in their 90s that travel together in harmony to support a team they love. You do this is so many ways:- to name a few – your friendly faces, the lovely chats, the really bad jokes!
It’s a joy to get to know you all.
I am not going to name names, you know who you are, but a massive thank you to some of our younger travellers.
People are always quick to prejudge if they see groups of younger fans on coaches.
I feel we are so lucky, we have some of the nicest, if not a bit cheeky (in a good way!), travellers in their late teens and early twenties.
They are always willing to go above and beyond without being asked.
We have two who always stay behind at the end and help clean the coaches after every match without fail. Thank you!
I have to also mention two of the others who, after the last away match of the season, were on their way out of the ground, but they turned around and helped me when I had to deal with what could have been a hostile situation with one of the other fans in the car park. I will be eternally grateful for that.
I don’t see the following as a negative, but as a positive that we uphold our values and expectations.
We did unfortunately have to suspend 5 passengers on the first match of the season (which included 2 full season suspensions) and a mid-season (end of season suspension) for a mixture of drinking on board/ vaping/ poor behaviour or language.
As a result of several instances of unacceptable behaviour on the last away coach of the season, a passenger has been handed a full 26/27 season coach suspension.
The Club Shop are a vital part of our success and all the help they provide with bookings is never underestimated.
The RAFC media team have been an amazing support in advertising the coaches on the website and socials, it is really appreciated and long may it continue.
And last, but not least, what can I say about the Ogden Family. Without their selfless contribution to the Rochdale Supporters Trust coach travel we would not be where we are now.
We are building an amazing group of travellers, and you are allowing so many more fans access to all the away games. A massive thank you from me and the whole Dale Supporters’ Trust.
Our service is available to ALL DALE FANS and is continuing to grow!
Here is to a league where we belong…….New Season, New League!
Come and see us grow even more and be a part of something even more amazing! I look forward to welcoming you all back and seeing many new faces in the 26/27 season!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all!
Emma ⚽travel@daletrust.co.uk
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