The Rochdale Supporters football team has been in existence since 1992 and from the early days of the odd friendly game to the current crops’ organised league format they have represented the Rochdale badge with pride, although at times the skill hasn’t quite matched. But that has been what the Supporters team is all about.
Initially it was an idea formed to promote good links and has seen us forge close ties with fans of clubs traditionally seen as rivals. It has also given the various teams over the years many treasured memories and stories to reminisce upon whilst watching the professionals in the afternoon. The club took a leap forwards when we joined the IFA (Internet Football Association) in 2006.
Through assistance from the Dale Trust the club were able to purchase the full Rochdale home kit complete with Trust sponsorship on the front. Just one season later the club reached its pinnacle and achieved 1st place in the IFA league with an unbeaten record of 18 wins and 2 draws. This team reunites for the first time since to make up one of our sides on the night.
Since then as team members have grown up and started families and moved away from the town the team has gone through a catharsis and we arrive at the current crop.
This season has been a difficult one for the Supporters team with low numbers forcing cobbled together teams that have been unable to match the achievements of the class of 2008. However as we approach the end of the season a light shines at the end of the tunnel. Since joining the Hilly despised Twitter revolution we have secured new interest and found a younger crop of players sure to secure the future of the supporters team for years to come.
So if you are at a loose end on the 29th why don’t you pop down and join us in our commemoration of 21 years of the Supporters team by seeing its greatest team against the team of today. Alongside the game there is of course the quiz night and the kit auction on what is sure to be a great night to celebrate all that is good about being a Rochdale supporter.
Kick off is at 6.30pm at Spotland.
Follow Rochdale Supporters on twitter @RochdaleS_FC or like the Facebook group to keep up to date with everything supporters team related.