Rochdale AFC Academy are proud to have organised the inaugural Floodlit Trophy, a competitive tournament for Under-15 Academy teams based on the principals of the Premier League Floodlit Cup.
Eight Academies are taking part in the tournament, consisting of Category 1, 2 and 3 set-ups.
Dale, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Oldham Athletic will contest the western group, whilst Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Bradford City make up the eastern group.
The winner of each group will play the runner up of the other in the semi-finals, before a final to be played at a neutral ground.
The tournament will provide the Under-15s sides with the only competitive fixtures they will play during the season.
Dale’s Under-15 team will be led by Academy Manager Tony Ellis and YDP Lead Coach Lee Riley.
“It is important to provide the lads with competitive fixtures,” said Riley. “They didn’t make it through to the Premier League Floodlit Cup this year, but still we wanted to give them the same opportunity to play in a competition of that sort.
“It also allows them to adapt to the demands and conditions of evening matches that senior players face on a regular basis.
"Last year the lads who competed in the Premier League Floodlit Cup really enjoyed the competition, and it was great for their development, so we wanted to do something similar this year.
“We’re proud to have organised the tournament, and I’m sure it will be a success.”
The matches are all available for fans to watch and support Dale’s youngsters.
Dale’s first fixture is on Wednesday 18th October against Oldham Athletic, at Avro FC’s Vestacare Stadium.
Full fixture list:
Oldham Athletic v Rochdale – Wednesday 18th October, 8.15pm kick-off, Avro FC
Rochdale v Bolton Wanderers – postponed, re-arranged date TBC
Rochdale v Blackburn Rovers – Wednesday 29th November, 6.30pm kick-off, Brockhall Training Ground, BB6 8FA
Rochdale v Oldham Athletic – Wednesday 17th January, 7pm kick-off, Hyde United FC
Bolton Wanderers v Rochdale – Tuesday 30th January, 7pm kick-off, venue TBC
Rochdale v Blackburn Rovers – Wednesday 14th February, 7pm kick-off, Hyde United FC