Surprise visit by Dale first team players

Brian Barry-Murphy and Gary Dicker turned up at the Soccer Factory to get involved with the heading skills session

Youngsters who attended the latest set multi-sports sessions organised by Rochdale AFC’s Football in the Community Trust were paid a surprise visit by some of the Dale first team.

Brian Barry-Murphy and Gary Dicker turned up at the Soccer Factory to get involved with the heading skills session, while D’Arcy O’Connor, Scott Tanser and Jamie Allen spent time with children at Siddal Moor Sports College.

The multi-sports sessions, which were held at three venues during the October break - Siddal Moor Sports College, The Soccer Factory and Wardle High School – were a hit with those who attended, with the indoor facilities proving to be a winner.

All attenders were presented with certificates of attendance, free tickets for Dale’s league match against AFC Wimbledon, plus other goodies from the club.

Siobhan McElhinney from Dale’s Football in the Community Trust commented: “It was fantastic seeing the players interacting with the kids, especially Jamie Allen as he was one of the regular attenders at our soccer sessions before being recommended to Dale’s Academy.”