Rochdale under 15’s Premier League Floodlit Cup adventure continues this Wednesday (February 22nd), as they take on Derby County.
The Dale youngsters face the Rams in the quarter finals of the competition at Derby’s training ground. Please note, this game is not open to supporters.
Rochdale joined Manchester City in progressing from Group C through to the knock-out stages of the competition, after recording impressive results during the group stages (round one).
Dale did the double over Manchester United and twice drew with Blackburn Rovers to earn their place in the quarter finals.
The Quarter Final Draw
Middlesbrough/ Sunderland v Liverpool/ Stoke City
Everton v Middlesbrough/ Sunderland
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Derby County v Rochdale
Arsenal v Crystal Palace/ Millwall
Crystal Palace/ Millwall v Norwich City
Swansea City v West Brom
Fulham v Reading
The Premier League Floodlit Cup was launched last year to give young players the opportunity of playing competitive football, whilst allowing them to adapt to the demands and conditions of evening matches that senior players face on a regular basis.
Rochdale were one of just eight Category Two and Category Three clubs from across the country to secure qualification to round one of the competition, after clubs from outside Category One were invited to qualify for the first time.
To put the achievement into perspective, take a look at the teams who started out in the competition, as shown below.