Page 17 - Real-Rochdale-07
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Rochdale AFC Ladies go from strength to strength
Rochdale AFC Ladies’ open age team has made “It also has the benefit of being indoors, which
a good start to the 2019/20 season. is an added bonus, especially with the wet and
cold wintery nights drawing in.
After a successful season of development last
year, Emma Thetford’s side have really kicked “We have a strong and talented squad. Our aim
on in the build-up to the winter months, this season is to continue working hard and
securing emphatic wins over Bolton Wanderers keep improving individually as well as a team,
and a 7-1 victory over Urmston Meadowside. and hopefully the results will continue to follow.
The ladies’ team started back in 2015 and, in “Having the backing and support from Rochdale
just over four years, has gone from a Football Club and our sponsor, Jonathan James
collective of 14 to over 100 girls from age Lettings, is extremely important to us and being
ranges of 9 upwards, including a range of able to play in the Rochdale AFC kit helps us to
BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic ) feel part of the club.”
diverse groups.
The winter months will be tough for the side,
“We had a bit of a slow start to the season but but Thetford is hoping her side can push on at
we have all been working hard at training and the top of League One.
on match days,” said Thetford.
The ladies’ sessions, operated by the Dale
“We now find ourselves in a run of six Sports Trust, run every Wednesday evening at
unbeaten games and top of League One the Soccer Factory in Castleton, where
heading into November. youngsters up to under-13s can enjoy sessions
from 5pm to 6pm, whilst those over this age
“The players are working hard in training and can play from 6pm til 7pm. Sessions are open to
are really benefiting from our close relationship everybody, no matter what experience you have
with the Soccer Factory. of playing.
“Having the nine versus nine pitch available to You can read match reports for Dale’s Open Age
us means we can work on game-like scenarios Ladies’ team on www.rochdaleafc.co.uk, or visit
which then helps us put our learning into the Rochdale AFC Ladies’ Facebook page for
practice in matches. fixture information.
17 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2019
