Boost for female football provision in Rochdale

Women’s football in Rochdale is set for a huge boost over the summer, thanks to the launch of a series of new programmes by Rochdale AFC Community Trust and Rochdale AFC Ladies.

Soccercise, 5-a-side and Walking Football all form a part of ‘Women’s Wednesdays’ at the Crown Oil Arena for the adults whilst Wildcats, Squad Girls and a Talent Centre will boost junior numbers.

“Rochdale AFC Ladies have gone from strength to strength over the last couple of seasons and now run teams at every age group from under 10s through to under 16s alongside an under 18s team," said Ryan Bradley, community director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust.

He added: “There is, however, still demand that needs meeting and we are thrilled to have secured funding directly and through Rochdale AFC Ladies as well as forming partnerships to meet this demand and allow female football to continue to grow.”

The Women’s Wednesday sessions aim to provide an offer for adult players of all abilities.

With football fitness (Soccercise) and Walking Football for those new to the game or looking to get up to pace after a period out followed by a more competitive 5-a-side session, all on the same night, there is something for everyone.

Emma Thetford, Rochdale AFC Ladies secretary said: “We had to fold our open age team last season due to a lack of facilities and resources but we hope Women’s Wednesdays is the first step on the journey of bringing open age football back to Rochdale.”

The sessions have been made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund alongside Barclays, supported by Sported.

As well as subsidising facility hire, equipment and staff costs, funding is also available for any volunteers who may wish to get involved leading the sessions going forward.

Similarly, for the younger age groups, Weetabix Wildcats sessions continue for girls aged 5-11, with a new session at Hopwood Hall college added to complement the two other centres currently run by Rochdale AFC Community Trust.

Squad Girls also launched this month at Hopwood Hall College. Squad Girls' Football is a programme created by England Football, which is supported by Sport England. It's targeted at girls aged 12-14 who want to get involved with football in a fun, non-competitive environment. It's all about being with and making new friends, whilst having loads of fun.

As well as catering for those who want to take up football for the first time, Rochdale AFC Community Trust will also look at building on last years Talent Pathway work by continuing to run FA Approved Talent Development Centres.

Aimed at girls aged 14-16, the sessions will run every other week and will see girls identified from schools and community sessions/tournaments given a high level of coaching with a view to entering the England Talent Pathway or those looking to join the Rochdale AFC Sports College full time from 2023/24.

Dean Weaver, commercial sports coordinator at Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said: “As a community trust, we are working to complement and support female football delivery across the borough in general and Rochdale AFC Ladies in particular.

“We are really keen to offer something different and fill gaps and these new or extended sessions really provide something for all.”

For more information on any of these programmes, or to sign up, please visit www.rochdaleafccommunity.org or email dean.weaver@rochdaleafc.co.uk