Rochdale AFC Ladies have appointed a new chair ahead of the new campaign, as seasoned administrator Nicola Toolan takes up the role following a vote at their Annual General Meeting last week.
Nicola, who is currently Head of Safeguarding at Rochdale AFC, becomes the first female chair of Rochdale AFC Ladies and takes over the position from Ryan Bradley, who stepped in as interim chair last year.
“I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to ensuring the Ladies teams get the support and recognition they deserve,” commented Toolan.
“We need to ensure that we continue to grow, not just player numbers but volunteers as well.”
At the AGM, the annual accounts were approved, as well as an overview of the season, which had both its ups and downs.
Now entering their eighth year since reforming, Rochdale AFC Ladies will enter seven teams into Leagues this year, but have decided against running an open age team.
“Last year was a real struggle, as we relied on the u18s having to play up and it was a fight to get to the end of the season,” said Ryan Bradley, Community Director.
“With the lack of facilities available and the after effects of Covid, it was hard to entice women into the field and pull a squad together that would compete at the level required, and the committee therefore decided to break for a year.
“The committee will now focus on bringing the Open Age back, and with the support of the Community Trust, the club and a strong u18 and u16 graduating into open age next year, as well as exciting facility developments and the success of the Lionesses, I’m sure we will get a team out in the field that Rochdale can be proud of,” concluded Bradley.
Rochdale AFC Ladies will compete at the following age groups during the season:
U10- Wayne King
U11 - Ste Lorimer/Josh Davis
U12 - Emma Flynn
U13 - Michael Beardsley
U14/15- Ben Lord
U16 - Dean Weaver
U18 - Todd Neilson
To get involved, please email ladies@rochdaleafc.co.uk.