Triumphant evening at Rochdale Town Hall as RAFC Community Trust honours season's standouts

Date published: 13 July 2024

Over 150 guests gathered at Rochdale Town Hall on Tuesday evening for the inaugural Rochdale AFC Business Club and Community Awards, celebrating the achievements of the 2023/24 season.

A total of 17 trophies were presented to Rochdale AFC teams for their success in community leagues and tournaments. The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor  Shakil Ahmed, presented the awards.

Rochdale AFC Military Veterans won ‘Team of the Year’ after an impressive season, clinching the North West Military Veterans League title and winning tournaments at Liverpool FC and Wigan Athletic.

Lee Atkinson of Rochdale AFC Women was voted ‘Coach of the Year’ for leading his team to two cup finals in his debut season.

Gracie Smith from Rochdale AFC Ladies was named ‘Community Player of the Year’ after scoring 40 goals and providing 20 assists. Smith has shown loyalty to Rochdale despite offers from bigger clubs and has been selected for the England Lionesses pathway.

Harvey Butterworth won ‘Education and Employability Learner of the Year’ for his work with the Dale Works programme, which led to his dream job as assistant kit man at Rochdale AFC.

Elyse Bailey from the Keira Walsh Rochdale Girls Development Centre was named ‘Sports Performer of the Year’. Bailey, the goalkeeper for Rochdale AFC Ladies U14, has had an invincible season and earned a spot on the England Lionesses development pathway.

Lee Chorlton received the ‘Health and Inclusion Participant of the Year’ award for his achievements in the Men’s Healthy Weight Management Programme.

The final award, ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ went to William ‘Steve’ Colesby for his decade of dedication to Rochdale AFC.

The event, hosted by Dave Dockerty of Bolton FM, concluded with praise from the Mayor of Rochdale for all who have supported community initiatives at Rochdale AFC.