Following the announcement at Thursday night's fans forum, we can bring you more details on the re-launch of Dale's Study Centre.
The existing Study Centre in the Willbutts Lane Stand is being upgraded & re-launched, creating a base at Spotland for the club's new Elite Development Squad (EDS) players. It’ll be known as the club’s Education Suite.
As announced earlier this year, Rochdale Association Football Club has teamed up with Hopwood Hall College to offer two new qualifications starting in September. On offer is a one year Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificate and a two year Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Football, and we’re pleased to announce that the course is now full.
The revamped Education Suite will allow up to 60 students each year to study football and related occupations.
Not only will it provide a base for the EDS, the club’s Futsal squad will be housed there. There is also the possibility of using the venue for other community based groups.
The club estimates that the running costs will be in the region of £40k per year, but initially, there is much in the way of IT equipment and furnishing to fund.
With that in mind, the Dale Trust has announced it's support of the project and plan to raise funds. Fundraising events will be announced in the coming weeks.