Children at Whittaker Moss Primary School in Norden had a surprise visit from a group of Rochdale AFC players on Tuesday afternoon. The players dropped in to visit the children as part of The Co-operative
Multi-sport Programme which is being delivered in primary schools across Rochdale by coaches from Rochdale AFC’s Football in the Community Trust.
As the club’s community partner, The Co-operative is working closely with the Community Trust at the club to encourage more children to get involved in sport and enjoy healthy lifestyles. The Co-operative Multi-sport Programme is offering free fun coaching sessions to all local primary schools during 2013. There are also opportunities for children who take part in the Programme to bring along their parents to Spotland to savour the experience of a league game firsthand at a special discounted price.
Defender Olly Lancashire, one of the players who visited the school said: “It’s great to see children enjoying the fun sports session the club has developed. Children are our next generation of fans and it is important for Rochdale Football Club, and indeed for football clubs around the country, to reach out and provide opportunities for children and their families to get involved in sport within the local community and develop their passion for the national game.”
Mrs Williamson, the Head Teacher of Whittaker Moss Primary School, added: “Our Year 1 and Year 2 children thoroughly enjoyed the session and you can see by the smiles on their faces the effect it has had on them. Sport is hugely important for children of all ages. The icing on the cake for everyone at the school was to have some of the players come along to join in the session. I would like to thank the Club and The Co-operative for providing this fantastic opportunity.
“I would encourage all local primary schools to get involved with the programme.”
So far 24 local schools have signed up for the programme which is completely free to schools and parents.
For more information or to find out if your school has already booked a session, please contact Aileen Walters, Sponsorship Manager at The Co-operative on 07798 847564 / aileen.walters@co-operative.coop