Rochdale AFC are delighted to announce the relaunch of open age female football, with a new look Rochdale AFC Women set to take to the field next season.
In conjunction with Rochdale AFC Community Trust and Rochdale AFC Ladies, the team will operate under a newly formed management team with the aim to play at the highest level possible.
“We are delighted to be backing the new look team,” commented Community Director Ryan Bradley.
“Since the last open age team folded, we have worked tirelessly to put in place standards needed in order to succeed and, of course, find the funding and resources to deliver what we feel will be a team to represent Rochdale AFC in the best possible way.”
Funding from all three parties, as well as planned sponsorship and commercial opportunities, will see all players provided playing, training and off-field wear free of charge.
Players won’t be asked to pay subscriptions or sign-on fees, with the aim of attracting talented players from across Rochdale and the North West.
“Our commercial department has been working to draw in the extra funding required to run professionally,” added Chief Operating Officer George Delves.
“Rochdale AFC Women will only expand on the club’s existing reach and appeal to businesses locally and regionally.”
Former Bolton Wanderers Women Head Coach Lee Atkinson will take the reins, no doubt looking to emulate the successes of his teams in recent seasons.
With the talented Rochdale AFC Ladies Under-18s enjoying league success last year, adding to Atkinson’s contacts, Dale Women hope to enter the football pyramid where they left off and build from there.
“We have some really talented young players from our Under-18’s, and other Rochdale girls who currently don’t have a hometown team to represent, who are chomping at the bit to come back,” said Rochdale AFC Ladies Secretary Emma Thetford.
“We know we can be really competitive and in Lee we have a coach who wants to win.
“There will also once again be the chance of progression for players in our younger age groups.
“This is something we have been working extremely hard for and we are all excited for the future of girls and women’s football at Rochdale.”
The new team will formally launch on Sunday 28th May, with an open training session on the main pitch at the Crown Oil Arena.
Any players who wish to try out for the new team are encouraged to attend. You can sign up HERE.
The team will enter the Greater Manchester Women’s League Premier Division, with matches to be played on Sunday afternoons.