Dale’s Walking Footballers, the Rochdale AFC Strollers, more than held their own at the National Walking Football Finals this week.
The tournament was held at the FA’s national football centre, St George’s Park, which Dale reached having finished runners-up in the North-West Regional Finals.
They went unbeaten in their group, winning one and drawing three, with the victory coming over eventual champions Sheffield United.
However, despite the good performances, it wasn’t enough to reach the latter stages of the competition.
Three of the team were selected to take part in a challenge match after the tournament, against a Master’s Team which included former professional footballers such as Roger Davis and Dave Bennett, as well Tom Charlton, brother of World Cup winners Bobby and Jack.
The squad spent two days at St George’s Park, taking in the facilities which the England World Cup squad had prepared at for the tournament in Russia.
For more information, contact Keith Hicks on 01706643836 or 07958593121, or email keith.hicks@rochdaleafc.co.uk.
Results
Sheffield United – Won 2-1
Derby County – Drew 0-0
Luton Town – Drew 0-0
Bolton Wanderers – Drew 0-0
Group Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
| Sheffield United | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| Derby County | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| ROCHDALE | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Luton Town | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |