Rochdale Netball Club joins Rochdale AFC under new identity

Rochdale Netball Club has become part of Rochdale AFC and will compete under the new Rochdale AFC Netball identity.

The club currently has nearly 200 players across teams from under-six level through to seniors.

The agreement has been reached between Rochdale AFC, Rochdale AFC Community Trust and Rochdale Netball Club.

Rochdale AFC Netball will form part of the football club's wider 'Our Teams' family, while the Community Trust will work with the netball club on programmes in schools, holiday provision, health and wellbeing and volunteer development.

The organisations say the partnership will also support coaching and strengthen links between schools and club netball.

Amy Williams, chair of Rochdale AFC Netball, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our club and for netball across Rochdale. Joining the Rochdale AFC family gives us a stronger platform to grow the game, inspire more women and girls to get involved, and create new opportunities for players, coaches, volunteers and supporters. We're excited about what we can achieve together for our community.”

Rochdale AFC chief executive Laura Thomas said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome Rochdale Netball Club into the Rochdale AFC family, this is a brilliant opportunity, both for the club and for netball across the borough. The vision is to build a thriving community around the club, and it’s not only football that plays a role.

“As a former netball player myself, I know first-hand how important being involved in sport is. It shapes you. It gives you confidence. It gives you a sense of belonging and acceptance, no matter where you come from.

“Rochdale AFC is a place for everyone, and we're absolutely clear that this is just the start.

“Congratulations, Rochdale AFC Netball and welcome.”

Rochdale AFC Netball will be based at Edgar Wood.

Ryan Bradley, community director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said the charity's governance structure would support volunteers and coaches as well as community and school work.

He said: “From the very first discussions it was clear that we were all on the same page. The football club, the charity and the netball club all have a shared purpose and values as well as complimentary strengths and challenges we can face better together.

“Coming together under one brand will boost the profile of Netball in Rochdale, supporting the growth and performance plans of the club. The charity has the governance structure in place to support volunteers and coaches as well as link in community outreach and school work.”

Further details about teams, programmes and opportunities to get involved are due to be announced. Information is available through the Rochdale AFC Community Trust website.