Hornets boost amateur links

Representatives of Mayfield and Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets have renewed their link-up with local amateur club Rochdale Mayfield.

Hornets coach Bobbie Goulding, the former Great Britain international, was keen to strengthen the club’s association with the leading BARLA Conference Premier Division outfit.

The two clubs have worked together in the past, and as part of the link up the Mayfield Academy side played a match against Hornets’ new reserve team on Wednesday 13 February.

Goulding is keen that the clubs continue to work closely together, and has already had members of Mayfield’s coaching and playing staff at his training sessions.

He also wants to see the town’s best young amateur players get a chance in the professional game through Hornets’ reserve team.

"It was something that we did the last time I was at the club," Goulding said.

"I want to have a good, close relationship with Mayfield because they are a very healthy amateur club.

"There aren't many clubs as big as them in the whole of the British amateur game at the moment, and they've got some of the best facilities I've seen at that level.

"Come the start of the season it would be great to see some of their young players coming and playing in our reserve side.
 
"I think we can both learn from each other and that can only be good for both clubs."