Opening Night Success at Soccer Village

Soccer Village Indoor Football Arena

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Local footballers flocked to the new Soccer Village in Milnrow on Friday night to play in the final stages of the inaugural tournament at the official opening of Rochdale’s new football haven. The players got the chance to meet Manchester United football legend, Norman Whiteside, who opened the Soccer Village, before they competed in the 5-a-side tournament which carried a one thousand pound prize for the winner.

The event got under way after Whiteside, the scorer of Manchester United’s famous 1985 FA Cup winning goal, officially opened the Soccer Village on one of the four pitches in front of all the players. He spoke for a short time before the tournament began, “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to open the Soccer Village. I’m sure it can only be good for the town. I know the boys can’t wait to get on with it so I’ll just say it’s great to be here tonight and watch a high standard of competitive football.” 

The cash incentive gave an added edge to the competition as the players arrived at the new venue on Wildhouse Lane after their teams had progressed through to the finals of the tournament that took place all week. The football was fast paced and action packed as the players showed their skills on the latest artificial grass technology pitches that have a far superior feel to regular Astroturf surfaces. Meanwhile the launch marked the first chance for the public to see the set up at Soccer Village in full operation as spectators watched the action unfold from the 300 capacity stadium-style seating and from the plush, modern bar area.

The organisers of the opening and the men behind the Soccer Village operation, Brett Beresford and Bob Smith were kept busy all evening but Brett spoke enthusiastically following a successful opening night. He told Rochdale Online, “It’s been a great night and the standard of football has been very high. Hopefully these teams will be back and we’ll fill up the leagues and go from there.” Following a stressful time getting the opening organised and getting things up to scratch right to the last minute, Brett spoke about the future whilst watching the games unfold from the bar area, “We hope to get a couple more pitches here and we’ll have a very tidy setup for local footballers to use.”

Indeed, the facilities at the Soccer Village are so good that the professionals have been in touch to see if they can make use of the pitches for training. Rochdale have had particular problems in finding a facility good enough to fit their needs and Brett is hopeful that Soccer Village can assist the town’s professional side, “Steve Parkin [Rochdale Manager] has been down to see about using two or three pitches during the week. If we can help them we’re happy to do so.”

The players were all enthused by the setup and were pleased at the high quality surface. The footballers from Rochdale Sunday League side Copper Pot, who finished runners-up to Hebden Bridge outfit Hebdenroyd Red Star, were full of compliments on what they described as “a great night out” to play on pitches “like we have never played on before – they are far better than Astroturf and the other pitches in Rochdale.” The youngsters competing in the junior competition were similarly impressed as they competed in some exciting games with some talented players. Jamie Hartley and Dominic McGrory of Hale Barns FC said, “It’s cool! It’s a modern place and the pitch is really good. The small pitches make you pass more and think about your tactics and it’s really good facilities here.”

The event came to a close shortly after the final when the presentations took place with Rochdale sides Copper Pot and Gallows, second and third respectively, just missing out on the one thousand pounds cheque. All the players were happy with their performances and spoke highly of the pitch and the facilities as they received their trophies on what was a successful night for the players and all those involved at Soccer Village.

To find out more about Soccer Village and what the arena has to offer, visit their website

http://www.soccervillage.net/