Hi everybody for this weekend’s FA Cup clash against our illustrious opponents from North London, wouldn’t it be brilliant to progress onto the next round after beating Premier League team, Tottenham Hotspur.
SUNDAY’S MASCOTS – OLIVER CRYER & ZAC EATON
Oliver Cryer will be eight years old on Monday so this is a fabulous birthday present. He attends Holcombe Brook Primary School, Ramsbottom. Oliver loves playing football on the right wing for Seedfield Leopards plus he also enjoys playing rugby for Sedgeley Tigers. He is a season ticket holder and goes to all home games with his favourite player Ian Henderson.
Zac Eaton, aged seven years, lives in Shawclough and goes to St Vincents Primary School, Norden. He plays for Springfield Park Monsoon Under 7’s, wearing the number 19 shirt. Zac supports Rochdale AFC with his favourite player being Ian Henderson. Hope both lads have a fantastic time at the Crown Oil Arena meeting up with the players of both teams before kick off.
CALVIN ANDREW – ROCHDALE AFC PLAYER AMBASSADOR
After scoring against Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup 3rd Round a young supporter, Poppy, wrote to Calvin to congratulate him and on receiving a letter back asking if she would start training at Rochdale AFC Ladies with older sister, Holly, she came down to the session at the Soccer Factory thoroughly enjoyed herself. She now trains every week much to the delight of her auntie, Siobhan our Community Sports Trust Assistant Manager-brilliant.
Also recently, Calvin took time out of his busy training schedule to speak to players from Rochdale AFC Ladies Under 9’s – 15’s at the Soccer Factory answering numerous questions from inquisitive girls plus posing for photos.
It was a great opportunity for the players to meet a professional footballer, a lovely gesture from a super pro footballer representing Dale.
PREMIER LEAGUE PRIMARY STARS – PLAYER’S VISIT TO ST EDWARDS PRIMARY SCHOOL
We had great feedback from School after Niall Canavan visited St Edwards holding a Q&A session with Year 5 pupils fielding a whole host of questions from the children and encouraging them to support Rochdale AFC.
Niall was supported by Siobhan McElhinney and Dennis Leman from the PFA, who were also in attendance.
We hold Premier League Primary Stars Sessions at School on Mondays, along with after school sessions on Thursdays.
The Premier League Primary Stars sessions aim to increase participation in PE, football and sport activities and to enhance teachers’ knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver high quality PE and school sports.
This programme also allows teachers the opportunity to attend CPD events delivered by the FA.
To enquire about getting the Community Sports Trust involved at your school, visit www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/community/ or contact me on 01706643836 or 07958593121
FUTSAL COACHING – JOIN THIS EXCITING BRAND NEW REVOLUTION
We are at the Soccer Factory, Royle Barn Road, Tuesdays 5.00 – 6.00pm. Coaching sessions are aimed at anyone interested in improving skills focusing on technique, speed, ball mastery and possession
Now officially sanctioned by FIFA/UEFA/The FA and Futsal has become synonymous with Brazilian flair with Messi, Squarez, Neymar & Ronaldo all having paid tribute to the beneficial effects of playing Futsal in their youth.
Sessions involve coaching/fun games/matches and for only £3.00 per session
OPEN ARMS – FREE COMMUNITY SESSIONS RUNNING WELL AT SOCCER FACTORY
We have teamed up with Open Arms, supported by the British Red Cross, to offer a FREE Sunday Fitness classes which are open to all. Classes run every Sunday between 11am-12pm with both football and fitness sessions aiming to improve skills and fitness levels.
The sessions which began on Sunday 28th January take place at the Soccer Factory, Royle Barn Road, OL11 3DT. Free transport is available, and both male and female coaches are available for sessions
ROCHDALE AFC LADIES UNDER 9’S
With several fixtures being postponed recently, I’ve not been able to inform everybody of the fabulous start for our new crop of players representing Rochdale AFC Ladies Under 9’s in a Futsal Tournament at Manchester Power League organised by Manchester FA & South Manchester Girls League winning
1-0, 2-0, 8-0, drawing 1-1 followed by a 0-1 loss, this was the first time they have ever played together in this inaugural event so well girls.
Since then, they have played in another two tournaments winning seven out of the eight scheduled matches plus drawing the other one, so it’s looks like we have yet another excellent squad of girls turning out for the Ladies.
We run sessions for the Under 9’s every Wednesday night 5-6pm.
See you all next Wednesday when MK Dons come to the Crown Oil Arena