Mayor’s Seal of Approval for Ambitious New Strategy

The visit provided an opportunity to present the Trust’s new strategy to the Mayor Cllr Faisal Rana and Mayoress Iram Faisal, outlining its vision for the coming years and the positive impact it aims to deliver across the borough through sport, education, health and community engagement.

Representing Rochdale AFC Community Trust were Trustees Jo Howarth-King and Susan Ayres, Director Ryan Bradley, Deputy Director Scott Webster, Strategic Lead Charlotte Griffiths, Rochdale AFC Ladies Chair Emma Thetford and Summer Duffy.

Summer’s attendance reflected the Trust’s commitment to developing local talent. Having first joined the Trust through its employability programme, Summer went on to complete an apprenticeship and, this week, officially joined the organisation as a permanent member of staff—demonstrating the life-changing opportunities the Trust strives to create for local people.

The delegation discussed the Trust’s strategic priorities, which place communities at the heart of everything it does. The strategy focuses on increasing opportunities for people of all ages to be active, supporting healthier lifestyles, creating pathways into education and employment, growing participation across its football programmes and continuing to strengthen Rochdale AFC’s role within the local community.

Ryan Bradley, Director of Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said:

“It was a privilege to be welcomed to the Mayor’s Parlour and to share our vision for the future. Receiving the Mayor’s support for our new strategy is a proud moment for everyone connected with the Trust. Our strategy is built around creating opportunities, tackling inequalities and ensuring Rochdale AFC continues to be a force for good throughout the borough.

“It was also particularly special for Summer to be part of the visit. Her journey from joining our employability programme to becoming a member of staff perfectly demonstrates the difference community organisations can make when people are given the right opportunities.”

The visit reinforced the close relationship between Rochdale AFC Community Trust and the civic leaders of the borough, with both recognising the important role that community organisations play in improving health, wellbeing, education and social inclusion.

The Trust looks forward to delivering its new strategy over the coming years, working alongside partners, supporters and local communities to continue creating meaningful opportunities for people across Rochdale.

The Mayor and Mayoress’s support provides a fitting endorsement as Rochdale AFC Community Trust embarks on the next chapter of its journey to make Rochdale a better place to live, work and play.