ROCHDALE AFC COMMUNITY TRUST CELEBRATES MOST IMPACTFUL “PLAY ON THE PITCH” SERIES TO DATE

Over the course of several days, players of all ages and abilities were given the opportunity to experience the stadium pitch in a celebration of inclusion, participation and community spirit.

Among the highlights were league fixtures involving two Sports College teams and the Veterans team, while the Trust’s Homeless Football Team played their first-ever competitive fixture, earning an impressive 3-3 draw against Petrus Oldham.

The Down Syndrome Football Team enjoyed a special Players vs Parents match, while Dale Fit Club Women took part in an energetic circuit and netball session. Dale Fit Club Men also faced Andy’s Man Club in a friendly fixture involving almost 40 participants.

Walking Football sessions proved hugely popular, with around 30 participants enjoying their time on the pitch as the pace gradually increased throughout the session.

The Trust also welcomed eight partner primary schools for a Premier League Primary Stars tournament, while Desmond’s Dragons and Wildcats held their weekly sessions on the main pitch with 26 young people attending.

Ability Counts Juniors held a training session before the low-level Ability Counts Blue team took to the field, while more than 100 young people from the Premier League Kicks programme and Youth Service-led sessions competed in a Friday night tournament.

Another memorable moment saw the Hope Football Team face Hope United, a refugee team from Liverpool featuring several former Rochdale participants who have since been rehomed.

Rochdale AFC Ladies teams also enjoyed a successful end-of-season celebration, with intra-club matches followed by presentations and a family fun day. Around 500 people attended the event, helping raise more than £2,000 for club funds.

The launch of a new South Asian Football Development Programme was marked by a tournament featuring 13 teams across Under-8 and Under-11 age groups, with strong representation from South Asian heritage communities.

Meanwhile, the Ability Counts Black team rounded off the programme with a full 11-a-side fixture against the Rochdale AFC Military Veterans.

Adding to the occasion, all activities took place in the presence of the Enterprise National League Promotion Final Trophy, giving participants an extra-special experience.

Reflecting on the success of the series, organisers praised the atmosphere and community engagement throughout the week.

“There were plenty of smiles, some quality football — and some terrible football as well,” one organiser joked. “But seeing the wider Rochdale AFC family enjoying their time out on the pitch was incredibly rewarding.” Commented Ryan Bradley, Community Director.

The Trust will be sharing photographs, videos and additional content from the events across its social media channels over the coming days and weeks.