Dale’s latest intake of futsal scholars began their course last week, with the club delighted to welcome ten new additions.
It’s the second intake of students to join Dale’s BTEC Extended Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence course, following a successful first year of the scholarship last season.
The new scholars got straight down to business as they met up with the second year scholars at the Soccer Factory to take part in the practical element.
They also got their first taste of competitive action, enjoying a day out at the Leeds Futsal Arena where Dale's Team B finished runners up after losing in the final (1-2) to Blackburn Rovers A, after conceding in the last minute.
Siobhan McElhinney, Dale in the Community Trust Assistant Manager, commented: “It was a great experience for the lads, who also played against teams representing Burnley and Preston North End.
“It was a real eye opener about the quality of opponents we will be playing against this season and I was most impressed with the way the lads performed, especially in the game we lost.
“We had never seen the opposition play before and basically just put two teams out without any knowledge of their ability, so to see them more than match the other teams was staggering.”
The fustal programme is aimed at current Year 12 students, who have recently left school and are looking to develop themselves in education or playing futsal/football.
The Scholarship is a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport Performance & Excellence equivalent to 3 ‘A’ levels with all training/education to be undertaken at Rochdale AFC.
Pathways are:
Education – University or Further Education
Scholarships – USA
Professional Contracts – USA or Europe, where professional leagues are operating
There’s still an opportunity to get involved with a few places still remaining on the programme. Interested students should contact Keith Hicks on 07958593121.