The Rochdale Schools Cup event returned to the Crown Oil Arena on Wednesday for a third consecutive year.
Organised by the Dale Academy and the club’s Community Trust, nearly 300 children from primary schools across the Borough took part in the event and had a great day out!
The football festival launched in 2016 with only Year 1 pupils invited, but following its success, the tournament has continued to expand, with youngsters from Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5 all invited this time round.
The event is designed to give local children the chance to say ‘I played at the Crown Oil Arena!’ It also provides staff with the opportunity to spot the most talented footballers in Rochdale, as well as promoting our community ethos. But most of all, it’s about having fun!
The winners were:
Year 1 – All Souls Primary School, Heywood
Year 2 – Hopwood Community Primary School, Heywood
Year 5 – All Souls Primary School, Heywood
Remarkably, it’s the second year in a row that Hopwood Community Primary School have a won a trophy at the tournament, with the same group of players having won the Year 1 Cup last year!
Head Of Academy Coaching Rick Ashcroft said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity the club and local schools to connect.
“There opportunities to play on the pitch for local children is fantastic. Hopefully, it will help them to become attached to the club, and have great experiences in a different environment to what they are used to.”
Rochdale Football Club would like to thank every single player who took part, and thank all schools and teachers for bringing the youngsters to the Crown Oil Arena.
All players received a medal and a goodie bag, which was filled with all things Dale, including a 2018/19 Season Ticket leaflet.