Dale’s Elite Development Squads and Development Centres have returned to training and are recruiting at all ages.
As with all sport, matches and training sessions were put on hold due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
However, training sessions, which are following strict social distancing guidance from the Government and the EFL, have been able to resume.
Our Elite Development Squads (EDS) and Development Centres see youngsters from Under-7s through to Under-19s trained by Elite Academy coaches.
The EDS teams play in the National Football Youth League and EFL League, for professional clubs only, and National Alliance U19 League, for semi-professional Youth Teams.
Alongside that, they study for a BTEC Level 2/3 Diploma in Sport, with extended diploma, equivalent to three A-levels and leading to all types of pathways for further education.
Our Development Centres, based in Heywood, Manchester, Wythenshawe and Liverpool are open to any youngsters who wish take part.
Players are regularly recommended for trials with the Rochdale Academy, with over 30 being signed. There are also many other pathways into a career in sport, including a playing career at other football clubs, coaching, physiotherapy, further education, and much more.
A recent major success story is that of Keaton Mulvey, who signed an 18-month professional contract with Rochdale AFC earlier this year.
EDS Academy Manager Brett Issitt said: “As a community Club and a community Academy, we’re desperate for everybody to see that there is an opportunity within our Football Club.
“The door is never closed to anybody at any age. Even if you are late into football, give it a go, and we’ll put you into the right pathway that we believe is best for you.”
Interested? Contact eds@rochdaleafc.co.uk for more information on our EDS and Development Centres.