The Exiles group has been key part of the Trust for over a decade and exists for the significant number of Dale supporters who through work or family moves are now based outside the borough. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and our Dale Exiles bear witness to that, clocking up the miles or arranging business trip detours to get their Dale fix.
Ian Goodwin is the Trust’s dedicated board member and since his appointment in 2018 he has re-invigorated our Exiles section. The main Exiles event has always been a reunion at the Crown Oil Arena for hospitality and last season 40 fans enjoyed Rochdale’s League One survival match against Southend on the final home game of the season. The Exiles sponsored that match and were treated to the usual splendid buffet in the Executive boxes. We mingled with members of the 1968/69 promotion squad as well as current directors and playing staff and chose the Man of the Match. We have already booked this season’s home Exiles match against Burton Albion for 21 March 2020. Put the date in your diaries.
Last season also saw 25 Exiles enjoy pre-Christmas hospitality at AFC Wimbledon in our inaugural away day and we have already booked a provisional 30 places for our match at Kingsmeadow on 5 October as AFC Wimbledon have also secured their League One status. The reception we had last season was first rate and we hope to build on the link with them this season. A number have already signed up and the link below shows you how to secure your place. The event is subsidised at £10 a head by the Trust as a thank you to Exiles who cannot usually participate in regular Trust activities around Spotland, so you get your membership fee back straightaway.
https://www.daletrust.co.uk/2019/07/exiles-away-day-2/
Over 150 Exile members joined last season and we tried to keep them involved by issuing a regular newsletter with an Exiles focus. Some contributed match reports and Dale related stories. [Editor’s note: more contributions please!] We aim to build on all of this in 2019-20 as we continue to promote a sense of belonging for those who live away from Rochdale. Membership is the same price as the normal Trust membership, and you now get a listing on our interactive world map showing where all of us are based. Sign up by following the link below and we look forward to welcoming you to a happy band of Dale brothers and sisters.
https://www.daletrust.co.uk/adult-exile-membership/