Rochdale Football Club were proud to support the FA Girls’ Football Week, hosting an all-girls football tournament.
Running from Monday 25th April, the FA week of action aimed to encourage primary and secondary schools to get pupils involved in football.
Over 100 youngsters from twelve local primary schools attended the event, which was held at the Soccer Factory.
The club were delighted to welcome Rochdale born footballer Keira Walsh to the tournament. Keira plays for Manchester City Women’s Football Club and has been capped by England at under-19 level.
Keith Hicks, Dale’s Head of Community, said: “Our aim is to try and get as many girls as possible interested in football, so to have youngsters from twelve different primary schools competing in our 5-a-side tournament was fantastic. It was great to see them having fun and enjoying themselves.
“I would also like to thank Keira for taking time out of her schedule to be at the tournament. Being from Rochdale, she is real inspiration for these girls.”
Keira commented: “The media coverage of the women’s game is growing and that allows young girls to find female role models, as well as encouraging them to get involved in the sport.
“When I was younger, there weren’t many all-girls teams around, so, for me, it was fantastic to see such a great turn-out at the event.
“Being from Rochdale, I hope have shown these girls that a future in football is possible, if they really put their minds to it and put in the hard-work.”
Simon Chapman, who is a PE teacher at Whittaker Moss Primary School in Norden, added: “We’re a relatively new side but the girls absolutely love playing football and they were thrilled to take part in this event.
“Their jaws dropped when they heard Keira was coming. They were all excited to meet her!”