Dale’s Elite Development Squad signed their contracts on Tuesday.
The U17 students gathered at the Crown Oil Arena with friends and family before Rochdale’s League One fixture against Walsall to put pen to paper.
Rochdale Football Club works in partnership with Hopwood Hall College to deliver the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Sport and Football qualification, which combines studying and playing football.
The academic teaching is delivered by Hopwood Hall College tutors, while the students are trained by Rochdale AFC staff.
EDS co-ordinator Dave Manning commented: “The boys have worked really hard this year with their education, training and matches. The staff at the club and at the college are very proud of them.”
If your leaving year 11 in 2017 and would like more information regarding the Elite Development Squad Pathway please contact Dave Manning by emailing david.manning@rochdaleafc.co.uk, or visit the college website by following this link > http://www.hopwood.ac.uk/courses/sport-public-services/extended-diploma-sport-football-rochdale-afc