Rochdale AFC and Rochdale AFC Community Trust have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with their official Community Teams.
Rochdale AFC Military Veterans, Rochdale AFC Walking Football, Rochdale AFC Ability Counts and Rochdale AFC Ladies have all put pen to paper on an agreement designed to further help Dale’s official teams prosper.
"This formal agreement sets out how the Club and Community Trust will support the clubs to grow and perform at the highest possible level," commented Ryan Bradley, Community Director.
"All of our teams are on the up but there was a need to take stock and agree some basic principles before we try and kick everything on to the next level.
"We have held hours of discussions with the teams individually and collectively and we are delighted we now have a hymn sheet from which we can all sing." Finished Bradley.
Club Director Tony Pockney, who is working closely with the Community Trust on a number of projects added:
"We have always been proud supporters of our community teams and we look forward to seeing them develop in the future. These teams are an important extension of our club and another great example of the role the Community Trust has in the Rochdale area.
"The Community Trust offer excellent support to them day to day but we as a club will play our part in ensuring more players and coaches get involved under the Rochdale AFC banner to inspire and improve them."
Rochdale AFC Military Veterans were established in February 2020 by Adam Trennery, a former Royal Navy Weapons Engineer and after playing a series of friendlies, are now on the verge of entering a formal league with over 30 registered players.
Link4Life and Rochdale Community Trust came together to launch Walking Football in the Borough as part of the swinging 60s programme in 2012.
Now operating seven teams, Rochdale Walking Football will formally become Rochdale AFC Walking Football.
Footballers with a range of disabilities make up the Rochdale AFC Ability Counts team.
With two adult teams in the GM Ability Counts League and the relaunch of the junior section on the horizon, the future is looking bright under coach Liam Whitehead.
Currently the biggest in terms of numbers, Rochdale AFC Ladies have over 100 registered players and volunteers.
The existing committee have worked tirelessly to grow the Ladies section since relaunching in 2010 and with a formal agreement in place, as well as sponsorship from Bluebird Care, are looking to drive the club forward off the field.
Each team will have its own elected management committee responsible for the day-to-day operations, including fixtures, subs, sponsors and social events, but will be supported by the Community Trust in all aspects of future development such as facilities, player recruitment, volunteer development and policy as well as wearing official kits and adopting new official logos across all teams.
If you want to get involved with any of our teams, as a player, volunteer, coach or sponsor, please get in touch community@rochdaleafc.co.uk or visit our website www.rochdaleafccommunity.org and click on the Our Teams tab.