Football: All Souls Primary School, Heywood excel at Rochdale Schools Cup

The Rochdale Schools Cup, Crown Oil Arena

All Souls Primary School, Heywood excelled in the Rochdale Schools Cup at the Crown Oil Arena on Wednesday, winning the Year One and Year Five categories.

Nearly 300 children from primary schools across the borough took part in the football festival, which was launched in 2016.

Winners

Year One – All Souls Primary School, Heywood

Year Two – Hopwood Community Primary School, Heywood

Year Five – All Souls Primary School, Heywood

It is the second year in a row that Hopwood Community Primary School have a won a trophy at the tournament, with the same group of players having won the Year One Cup last year.

The festival, organised by the Dale Academy and the club’s Community Trust, provides children with the opportunity to have fun and play at the Crown Oil Arena, and provides staff with the opportunity to spot the most talented footballers in Rochdale.

Head of academy coaching, Rick Ashcroft said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity the club and local schools to connect.

“There opportunities to play on the pitch for local children is fantastic. Hopefully, it will help them to become attached to the club, and have great experiences in a different environment to what they are used to.”

A spokesperson said: "Rochdale Football Club would like to thank every player who took part, and thank all schools and teachers for bringing the youngsters to the Crown Oil Arena."

All players received a medal and a goodie bag, which was filled with all things Dale.