Open trials are taking place in September, with the training programme kicking off in October.
To sign up, click the relevant link below:
• Boys 8-12 sign up
• Boys 13-16 sign up
• Girls 10-16 sign up
Rochdale AFC operated a Category 3 Academy under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) for many seasons, but are running at Category 4 (under 17 – under 19 only) during 2024/25 due to first-team divisional status, as clubs outside of the EFL are only permitted to operate under EPPP for a maximum of two seasons.
With this in mind, the club’s Community Trust will expand its player development pathway model which ran successfully last season. Sessions will take place at previous Academy training venues (which are floodlit, 3G facilities) with UEFA-level coaches. The programme will follow the ethos of our previous Category 3 Academy that produced numerous first-team players over the years.
Boys groups will run across all age groups from under-8s through to under-15s, with weekly training, gym and classroom sessions, alongside a fixture programme geared to avoid clashes with grassroots teams by primarily making use of midweek/half-term dates. The under-16s will run on a half-term training camp basis.
What’s more, the same programme is also open to female footballers, with dual age band groups at under-10, under12, under 1-4 and under16 levels through the Keira Walsh Rochdale Girls Development Centre.
The programme is open to all talented grassroots players. Nominations from teachers, club coaches and parents will be received throughout September with the programme starting in October.
All coaches will be UEFA qualified, and games against other Development Centres and Academy teams will allow individuals to step out of their comfort zone and push themselves towards reaching their maximum potential. Veo-recorded games, detailed feedback, and season reports will be available for each player.
In order to cover the costs of the programme following the removal of EPPP funding from governing bodies, a subscription fee of £24pm for each player will be payable, with bursaries available for low-income families.
Any UEFA-qualified coaches who may wish to join the programme as a coach should email community@rochdaleafc.co.uk
These are paid positions available to UEFA C (minimum)/UEFA B (preferred) coaches.
