The idea behind the Exiles actually predates the Trust itself by a couple of years at least, but it was only with the creation of the Trust that it actually properly got off the ground.
The idea came about from attending Dale games down South and seeing all these unfamiliar faces and accents that were more Walford than Weatherfield.
The initial thoughts were mostly of recognition of a group of supporters whose attendance would make away followings bigger at the likes of Barnet and Leyton Orient than we might get at away games much closer to home.
And so it began, and fourteen years later, it’s arguable that the Exiles has been the biggest success story of the Trust so far. It started with just 29 Exile members in our initial season but its popularity has grown and grown over the years culminating in a record number last year of 125.
So popular has it become that we have appointed our very first Exiles Officer. Ian Goodwin, a Dale Exile based in Sheffield who has volunteered to look after the Exiles on our behalf, and has been a regular face at the Exiles Days over the years.
Our Exiles Day is one of our flagship events of the season. We invite our Exiles to attend the day at Spotland with a buffet before the game and then to watch the game from the comfort of a box. Not only that, there’s usually the added bonus of Keith Hill, Club Directors and some of the players popping in to say hello. Last year, 39 of our Exiles attended our Exiles Day and were entertained afterwards by a 3-3 draw with Portsmouth. There’s usually other bits and bobs like photo opportunities and in the past we have had Stadium Tours too.
Last season, we started pushing our Exiles in our Newsletters offering an opportunity to share transportation to games. The newsletter lists Exiles, their location and contact details for those who have opted in. This was one of the original aims of the Exiles that we hoped we could encourage and assist our Exiles by providing such a network.
We’ve got an Exiles Map on our website that we will update once a month wherein we list the (approximate) locations of our Exiles. This is simply just to highlight the large number of Exiles that we have around the UK and also the world (a growing number of our Exiles are International).
The success of the Exiles within the Trust also allowed us to work with a number of Exiles last season who experienced difficulties with Cup tickets for the Spurs games. With visiting Spotland midweek problematic for those living down South, we were able to work with the club to support a small number of Exiles members acquire tickets.
An additional extension this coming season is an invite for Exiles to more actively participate in the Club’s weekly Goldbond draw, with the Trust acting as their agent. This campaign will allow the Exiles to participate in the draw, whilst contributing, as do many locally based supporters, to what is an invaluable source of financial support for the Club.
Trust membership to the Exiles is the same price as ordinary membership at just £10 for the season.
Membership of the Trust is just £10 for the 2018-19 season. Join hundreds of other Dale supporters by becoming a member either online or by visiting the Trust desk before any Saturday home game.
Click here to visit the Exiles Section of the Dale Trust Website