The new CAB ( Club Advisory Board) has now become a reality. The Trust who have been kean supporters of the idea is represented in the photo by interim trust vice chair Dave Earnshaw and Trust Board Director Emma Loynd.
Trust chair and member of the CAB Bob Morrisey who was away in sunny climes at the time said “I am really pleased this initiative is now up and running, it allows the Trust to not only network with a wider selection of the fan base who may not be Trust members but it meets the Trusts aims of transparency and inclusiveness, which can only be for the betterment of the club and the Ogden familys mission, we are proud to be working with such a diverse group, it is going to be an exciting journey”
The text below is taken from the clubs official post on their website https://rochdaleafc.co.uk/clubadvisoryboardformed140325/
The formation of the CAB, which was announced at the Fans’ Forum in January, sees a wide range of representatives come together to help support the Club on a range of topics. This includes, but is not limited to, communication between the Club and its fans, encouraging input on key Club matters and enlisting the support and involvement of fans to increase the participation of young people, women, families and other poorly represented groups and demographics on Rochdale AFC matchdays.
Throughout February, supporters and the wider community were encouraged to put themselves forward to represent certain cross sections of the supporter base and target supporter base, with Club Director Jamie Willoughby holding interviews with all applicants in early March.
Following a difficult selection process, 14 individuals and two organisations were selected to form the inaugural board, which will also include key Club and Community Trust staff and directors.
Jamie commented: “I think we have assembled an excellent group, and I am very much looking forward to the first meeting and getting started.”
Club Co-Chairman Cameron Ogden commented: “I’m very pleased to see this initiative get off the ground. As a Club, it is crucial that we involve, listen to and leverage the skills and enthusiasm of our supporter group. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that I am sure the Club Advisory Board will have.”
As well as the main Club Advisory Board, the interview process also brought to the fore an array of people willing to support the Club with various initiatives, and we have moved quickly to keep these people involved going forward.
Soon to be launched will be an over 50s forum, whereby the Club’s more traditional supporters can input into their CAB representative in a regular, formal way.
There will also be a disabled supporters forum, chaired by the Club’s Disability Liaison Officer Nicola Toolan.
Rochdale AFC Community Trust are providing core support and guidance to these groups, thanks to funding from the Premier League Charitable Fund Fans Fund.
Liz Cotterill, Rochdale AFC Hope Football Chair, commented: “I’m delighted to be involved with the new Club Advisory Board for Rochdale AFC. I’m proud to be a part of an amazing team of people helping shape Rochdale and the club to be fit for future and help create a change for good.”
Matt Devine, member of the supporter fundraising group BOGS, said: “I am delighted to be able to play a part in what I see as a really positive step forward for our football club and community. I am also really pleased to see that the club has selected such a diverse representation of our fanbase and town. I am looking forward to being involved in this exciting new journey that we are now on. Up The Dale!”
Charlotte Cromarty, Dale’s Her Game Too Club Ambassador, commented: “Thank you so much again for choosing us to be part of the club advisory board. Genuinely can’t wait for the opportunity.”
Members of the Club Advisory Board, pictured with Jamie Willoughby above, are:
Not pictured: Jacob Wright (Exile)