Rochdale Mayfield canteen to become community café thanks to lottery funding

Sunday, 7 December 2025 18:33

By David Murphy

A long-standing part of Rochdale's rugby scene is getting a new lease of life, as Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC prepares to convert its old canteen into a modern community café.

The club, which is the borough’s only community rugby league team, has secured £16,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to transform the existing matchday canteen into an accessible café and social space that will serve the wider community throughout the week.

The refurbished facility will feature structural upgrades, a new kitchen, and a redesigned interior. Once complete, it will offer affordable food and drink, host local events, and act as a meeting point for families, volunteers, and support groups.

Leaders at Rochdale Mayfield said the plan marks a shift towards making the club a year-round hub for the community, not just a place to gather on matchdays.

“Our club has always been about community,” a club spokesperson said. “This funding allows us to open our doors wider than ever and offer a space that brings people together, not just on game days but every day of the week.”

The upgraded café is also expected to create new training and volunteering opportunities and support the club’s long-term sustainability by generating extra income. It will also help strengthen links with residents of all ages, including those who may not currently be involved with the club.

Work on the café is set to begin early in the new year, with completion due before the 2026 season begins.

The canteen has served players, families, and supporters for generations, but club leaders say the new facility will reflect Rochdale Mayfield’s broader role as a community asset. The project has been welcomed by local supporters who say it will add value not only to the club, but to the wider neighbourhood.