Rochdale AFC’s new Futsal scholars got their first taste of action over the weekend as they began their preparations for the start of the upcoming season.
Nine of the students, who will be starting Dale’s brand new Futsal scholarship programme in September, travelled to the Leeds Futsal Arena on Saturday for their first match experience.
The intention was to put the players through their paces in a coaching practice, but after coming across a contingent of fellow new recruits from Leeds United, they went head to head with their counterparts to get a flavour of what is in store for them when the weekly activities get underway later this year.
The group, which was split into two teams, got involved in two matches and were victorious in one. They came out 6-4 winners in one encounter, while the other was a 4-2 reverse after coming up against strong opposition which boasted a member of the England Futsal national squad.
Siobhan McElhinney, Dale’s Futsal Education Officer commented: “It was a real eye opener for us about the quality of opponents that we will be facing this season and I was really impressed with the way the lads performed. This was my first chance to see them come up against opposition, so to see them more than match the other teams was absolutely brilliant.”
Places still remain for this exciting scholarship which is run by Dale’s Football in the Community Trust, so if you are looking for an exciting career in football then they’re offering just that!
The course is aimed at Year 11 school leavers, aged 16-17, who are looking to gain qualifications to work in the sports industry or gain access to higher education.
Those on the programme will have the opportunity to train in Futsal for up to 8 hours a week with Rochdale AFC coaches, under the direction of the Football League Trust. Training will be supplemented with fortnightly regular fixtures against other teams, representing professional clubs, in the Football League Trust Futsal League.
Futsal is the only form of indoor football approved by FIFA, UEFA and the FA. With over 2 million players regularly participating in the fast-paced 5-a-side action, Futsal is globally recognised as one of the fastest growing indoor sports in the world.
For further information or an application pack please contact the Head of Dale’s Football in the Community Trust, Keith Hicks, on 07958593121.