Check out what Dale In The Community have going on this Saturday, as we host Shrewsbury Town in Sky Bet League One action.
MASCOTS
NOAH McGRATH
Noah, who will be five years old next week, lives in Rawtenstall with Mum, Dad and his sister Jasmine. He enjoys golf, darts and swimming but football is his favourite sport.
Noah supports Rochdale and Manchester United, grandparents got him a season ticket as they said he would see more success with the Dale.
Favourite player is Ian Henderson but would like Rochdale to sign Marcus Rashford.
HARRISON TURNER
Harrison is celebrating his birthday on the 5th February when he will turn eight.
He enjoys playing lots of football, especially for Whitworth Valley on Saturday’s, Blackley Lions on Sunday’s and also loves his goalkeeper training.
His favourite Rochdale players are Robert Sánchez and Luke Matheson.
When he grows up he wants to be a footballer or a cricketer, but if that doesn’t work out, a pilot.
ROCHDALE AFC COMMUNITY DAY (JUNIOR TAKEOVER)
We had a fabulous day last Saturday with all the kids absolutely smashing their job roles at the match against Gillingham, far exceeding expectations.
There was brilliant contributions from all the Club personnel for making the day one to remember for the boys and girls. Huge thanks to the Club for allowing access to all departments and what a gesture from the management team allowing the two lads into the changing rooms throughout the day.
Special mention must go to Siobhan McElhinney for the initial idea plus David Bottomley and Frances Fielding for their support for this amazing event.
Positions were:
Chief Executive (David Bottomley) Charlie Barnes
Dale Lotto (Ray Parry) Lilly Goulding
Hospitality (Frances Fielding) Poppy Anna Hayden
Assistant Community Officer (Siobhan McElhinney) Gabriella Kopczyk
Ticket Office (Jan Marsh) Lucas Hill
Match Announcer (Dave Sweetmore) Thomas Blake
Kit Manager (Craig Rowson) Thomas Dixon
Press Officers (Greg Jones/Adam Clapham) Jack Booth
First Team Assistant (Lee Riley) Owen Boulter
Supporters Trust Director (Col Cavanagh) Oliver Chaffey
NATIONAL NCS DAY
Today’s match has been dedicated as the seasonal #NCSMatchday 2020.
The NCS team at Rochdale will be on hand to provide information about the programme, which is an important part of the work undertaken by the Community Sports Trust, and we are sure this event will be a huge success.
Nationwide, more than 600,000 young people have participated on National Citizen Service (NCS) so far and that number is continuing to grow each year.
NCS has proven to be a valuable tool for young people to build their confidence and gain social skills for the next steps in life. Statistics have shown that seven out of ten graduates feel more confident about finding a job and eight out of ten have kept in contact with people they have met on NCS.
The Rochdale AFC summer programme for 2020 is one that will bring fun, excitement, friendships, experiences and the opportunity to learn new skills.
In attendance on NCS Match day 2020 will be the Trust’s previous graduates from our very successful pilot programme at Rochdale AFC so keep an eye out for them, as they will be talking about their NCS experiences in various locations throughout the grounds.
Emma Flynn, NCS graduate, talking about the NCS Matchday, said: “It is good that clubs participate in NCS match day and it’s important that we spread the word.
"Everyone needs to be clear how much of a positive programme NCS is and how it can help young people.
"The NCS programme is something everyone should be doing, and I have so many lifetime fond memories from my time on the programme.
"Because of the NCS, I have met some good friends now and I wouldn’t have met them if I didn’t join."
Donna Clough, Community Sports Trust’s NCS Manager believes that more young people in Rochdale should take a look at the benefits of taking part in NCS.
"I would encourage any young person to take part in NCS," she said.
"It is very much a youth lead programme. It’s your turn for your voices to be heard in your communities, giving you the opportunity and platform to shake things up after the stress of your GSCE’s.
"It is a unique opportunity to grow and develop life and employ ability skills. Whilst making new friends and having lots of fun."
If you want to sign up for the Summer NCS programme at Rochdale AFC text/call or Our NCS Programme Manager on 07854929910 for more information or email Donna.Clough@rochdaleafc.co.uk.