We maybe locked down but Rochdale AFC Community Sports Trust kicked off their latest community project last weekend, with an innovative programme looking to promote inclusion within the Borough.
Communities United is an EFL Trust funded project that looks to bring together people from different faiths and races through a common goal.
By breaking down stereotypes, finding common values and working together on a community based social action project, participants will be hoping to boost civic pride and show people what can be achieved when we work together.
“The Communities United programme has been really well received. In the first session, the ten families involved discussed local heritage, similarities and differences and there was such a great buzz and excitement about working together.” commented Keith Hicks, Rochdale AFC Community Sports Trust Manager.
The programme is facilitated by Me&You and will see ten local families from different faiths and backgrounds come together.
In an ideal world this would be face to face delivery but as that isn’t possible, Rochdale AFC Community Sports Trust have provided iPads/tablets to all participants as part of the programme.
The Communities United programme is also being run at Oldham Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, showing that football clubs have the power to bring together families from different backgrounds, increasing understanding and awareness of social and cultural differences and challenge stereotypes.
We'll keep in touch with future discussions plus plans for Social Action projects and Celebration Event as they are planned.
For more information on the Communities United project please email Ryan.bradley@rochdaleafc.co.uk