Dads go for glory in Children's Centre football championship

Rochdale Children’s Centres will be battling it out on Saturday (16 May) to be crowned the best Children’s Centre Football Team in town.

Dads and male carers from centres all over Rochdale have formed 5-a-side teams to come together at St Mary’s Astroturf in Langley, Middleton for what promises to be a competitive tournament.

There are 16 teams, representing the 19 centres across Rochdale.

They will play 10 minutes each way with the winners of each match progressing to the next round.

As well as scooping the trophy, the winning team will also bag signed football memorabilia from both Manchester Untied and Manchester City Football Clubs.

Children’s Centre Area Manager for Middleton, Karen Feighan organised the tournament, the first contest of its kind in Rochdale, alongside Link for Life, Bowlee Park Sports Centre, Community Referees and others who have assisted with arranging the fixture list.

The players will be cheered on by other parents and the children on the day. There will also be other activities provided for children.

The event has created a lot of excitement amongst the centres and it is hoped that it will become an annual event in the Rochdale Children’s Centre calendar.

Karen Feighan said: “The Sure Start Children’s Centres encourage mums, dads and other carers to use their services. This is a brilliant example of fun family activities where everyone can join in.”