Day to remember for Rochdale AFC soccer fans John and Ryan

Ryan and his dad John Kelly

The score might have been a 0-0 draw but the match was one to remember when eight-year-old footie fan Ryan Kelly went to see his beloved Rochdale AFC play live.
Thanks to Rochdale sponsors Seddon Homes, Ryan had executive tickets, a Rochdale AFC official home shirt and got to meet AFC hero and man of the match, goalkeeper John Lillis.

“He was thrilled, as was I, it was a great day for us both,” said Ryan’s dad, warehouse manager, John Kelly.

The soccer special treat came about after John entered a prize draw run by Seddon Homes at its Bridgefold new homes development in Rochdale.

John, of Marlborough Street, Rochdale, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I later found out I’d won.”

John and St Vincent’s RC school pupil, Ryan, are already season ticket holders and attend as many Rochdale AFC ties as they can.

John said: “I’ve had a season ticket for about 12 years and Ryan has had his for three or four years now, but even so it was great to win the Seddon Homes prize, as it meant Ryan could have the latest shirt. We had a fabulous day and were delighted to be able to meet the man of the match.

“It’s the sort of day we’ll remember forever, despite the match ending in a goal-less draw!” he laughed.

Earlier this year Seddon Homes agreed to sponsor Rochdale AFC’s website for the 2012/13 season.

Seddon Homes sales and marketing director Denis Maddock said: “Our Bridgefold development is only a short distance from the football stadium and so it fitted in perfectly with our company’s policy of supporting local community activities and events. Anyone who visited our on-site marketing suite was welcome to enter the draw and we were delighted when the prize went to such dedicated Rochdale AFC fans as Ryan and John.

“At Seddon Homes we have always made a positive effort to liaise with and listen to local communities wherever we have built new homes."