Community Comes Together for Successful Rochdale AFC Volunteers Week

Over five fantastic days, supporters, local businesses, community organisations, schools and volunteers came together with staff from both Rochdale AFC and Rochdale AFC Community Trust to complete a wide range of improvement projects across the stadium.

 The week saw an incredible 351 hours of volunteering donated – the equivalent of around 2.5 months of a full-time maintenance worker. That time and effort has made a lasting impact on the stadium and demonstrates the power of community working together.

 Throughout the week volunteers completed an extensive programme of work, including:

• Jet washing the stadium bowl, Sandy Lane, Pearl Street steps and Main Stand steps.
• Repainting walls, shutters, railings, doors and stand steps.
• Restoring the Wonder Wall.
• Cleaning seating, signage and the Community Trust entrance.
• Tidying the car park and surrounding areas.
• General maintenance and improvement work across the stadium.

The transformation around the Crown Oil Arena has been remarkable and ensures the stadium is in fantastic condition as we prepare to welcome supporters back for the 2026/27 campaign.

 The week would not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of everyone who volunteered their time. Whether you joined us for a few hours or throughout the week, your contribution has helped create a stadium that everyone connected with Rochdale AFC can be proud of.

 We would also like to thank everyone who helped support our volunteers during the week, including those who donated refreshments to keep everyone going during the warm weather, as well as Ian Watson for taking the time to visit and show his appreciation to the volunteers.

 A special thank you goes to our partner organisations who supported the week:

• Rochdale Training
• Pinc College
• Redwood College
• Rossendale School
• Petrus
• Well Foundation
• Rochdale Borough Council
• Rochdale AFC Community Trust
• Neurodiverse DofE
• Positive Steps
• Our Futures

We would also like to thank every independent volunteer who gave up their time to make the week such a success.

 Volunteers Week is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a football club and its community work together. The dedication, teamwork and community spirit shown throughout the week has left a lasting legacy, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who played their part.

 From everyone at Rochdale AFC and Rochdale AFC Community Trust – thank you. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Crown Oil Arena soon.

Read the Volunteer Week Impact Report here