Rochdale AFC take on community programme to battle faith, race and hate crime head on

Communities United launch meeting

Rochdale AFC Community Sports Trust has kicked off their latest community project with an innovative programme looking to promote inclusion within the borough.

Communities United is an EFL Trust funded project that looks to bring together people from different faiths and races through a common goal.

The programme is facilitated by Me&You and will see ten local families from different faiths and backgrounds come together.

Keith Hicks, Rochdale AFC Community Sports Trust Manager, said: “The Communities United programme has been really well received. By breaking down stereotypes, finding common values, and working together on a community based social action project, participants will be hoping to boost civic pride and show people what can be achieved when we work together.

"In the first session, the ten families involved discussed local heritage, similarities and differences and there was such a great buzz and excitement from the participants.

"Football clubs have the power to bring together families from different backgrounds, increasing understanding and awareness of social and cultural differences and challenge stereotypes.”

In an ideal world the families would meet face to face but as that isn’t possible, Rochdale AFC Community Sports Trust has provided iPads/tablets to all participants as part of the programme.

The Communities United programme is also being run at other nearby clubs including Oldham Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.

For more information on the Communities United project please email ryan.bradley@rochdaleafc.co.uk