Funding boost for ladies football at Dale

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Thanks to a funding boost, Rochdale AFC’s Community Trust is looking increase the number of age groups dedicated to girls football at the club.

They are keen to introduce teams at various age groups – under 8s, 10s, 12s and 14s – and are inviting interested youngsters to attend an open day at the Soccer Factory on Sunday 31 May.

It is addition to the successful under 15s team, which was formed for the first time last summer.

The event, which will run between 1pm and 4pm, is a chance for the girls to get involved in an afternoon of fun and games, while taking part in various skills competitions. There will also be activities for all abilities, both beginners and experienced players. Those who attend will receive a free ticket for a Dale match during the 2015-16 season.

Anyone who is interested should just turn up on the day.

The increase in the number of age groups has been made possible thanks to £6,000 of funding from the ‘Grow the Game’ grant, which has been awarded by the Football Foundation – the country’s largest sports charity.

The Premier League and the FA fund the Grow the Game scheme, which is designed to increase participation in our national game by helping clubs meet the essential costs of starting new teams.

Keith Hicks, Trust Manager, commented: “This Grow the Game funding, provided by the Premier League and the FA, is excellent news for Rochdale AFC Ladies. Nicol Meredith, Football League Trust FFD Manager, deserves real credit for working with the Football Foundation and Lancashire FA to help secure the grant that will allow Dale’s Community Sports Trust to develop the Female Football Development programme.

“It will allow us to compliment the Under 15 team that successfully competed in the North Manchester Girls League during their first season.”