As part of FA Girls’ Football Week, Rochdale AFC are trying to engage as many girls in football as possible.
Dale In The Community Sports Trust, who run the Rochdale AFC Ladies teams, are holding an open training evening on Wednesday 8th November, from 5pm-7pm at the Soccer Factory, Royle Barn Road, Castleton. All girls aged between 6-16 are invited to attend.
They are looking for new players to join their teams, and are encouraging all girls who are interested to come along to the open evening and take part in fun coaching sessions.
Emma Thetford, who plays for the Open Age Ladies team, encourages new players to get involved, and says playing for the club means more to her than just playing football.
“I really enjoy it,” said Emma.
“I was never into football until I started playing at 16 years of age, but I’m so glad I got into it.
“I’m now a lot more active than I ever was, and playing football has encouraged me to take up other sports and activities which I never would have done before.
“The social aspect of playing for the team is important for me as well. I’ve met a lot of new friends through football.
“I’ve enjoyed playing for Rochdale AFC Ladies and I feel an affiliation towards the Club. I always keep an eye out for how the first team are getting on.”
Open Age and Under-15’s manager Mark Pilling is delighted to see the progress Rochdale AFC Ladies have made in recent years.
“It is great to have seen first-hand, and be a part of, the development of girls football within Rochdale and the surrounding areas.
“From where we were at first, having around 15 girls aged 14-15 years old, to now having over 100 girls across a number of age groups, it really is great to see.
“To have watched the girls who have been with us during that time develop, and to see the continuous development of all the girls week in, week out, is fantastic.
“We want to continue to grow, and we’re encouraging new players to get involved all the time.”
Rochdale AFC Ladies currently have teams from Under-8’s level, right through to the Open Age group.
All of the teams currently play in the South Manchester Girls Leagues.
For details on the open training evening, and for more information on Rochdale AFC Ladies, click HERE.