Over 300 Year 1 children from 27 primary schools across the Rochdale Borough took part in the inaugural Rochdale AFC Year One Schools Cup Tournament at Spotland on Friday.
The children, aged 5 and 6 years old, represented their schools in the tournament and parents were able to spectate from the Main Stand.
Academy Coach Anthony Thompson said: "It has been a fantastic day. It was great to see so many excited youngsters playing football on the famous Spotland pitch. We've spotted a few kids with real potential but more than anything, everybody has had a brilliant day with lots of fun. This is what football should be all about."
Congratulations to Norden Primary School who won the Cup and to runners up Hopwood Community Primary School. All children who took part in the football festival event received a medal.
As part of the club's strategy to grow a younger fan base, packs were handed out to all schools who participated in the tournament containing leaflets promoting the FREE 11's & under season tickets, details of the Rochdale AFC Summer Sports Mania courses and posters to put up in schools.