Rochdale AFC Netball launched as Rochdale Netball Club joins Dale family

Rochdale Netball Club is joining the Rochdale AFC family under a new identity as Rochdale AFC Netball, in a partnership designed to grow the sport and create more opportunities for women, girls and the wider community across the borough.

The agreement brings together Rochdale AFC, Rochdale AFC Community Trust and one of the borough's established community sports clubs under the wider 'Our Teams' banner.

Rochdale Netball Club currently runs teams from under-six level through to seniors, with nearly 200 players taking to the court each week. Under the new Rochdale AFC Netball identity, the organisations hope to strengthen the route from school participation into junior and adult club netball while also expanding opportunities in coaching, volunteering and leadership.

The partnership is expected to support new programmes in schools, holiday provision, health and wellbeing and volunteer development. The shared Rochdale AFC identity could also open up additional opportunities for sponsorship, commercial support, community events and promotion through the football club.

Amy Williams, Chair of Rochdale AFC Netball, described the move as a fantastic opportunity for both the club and the sport locally, saying joining the Rochdale AFC family would provide a stronger platform to grow the game and inspire more women and girls to become involved.

Rochdale AFC chief executive Laura Thomas, herself a former netball player, said she was thrilled to welcome the club into the wider Rochdale AFC family and stressed that the club's ambition to build a thriving community extends beyond football.

Ryan Bradley, Community Director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said the football club, charity and netball club shared common values and could combine their respective strengths. He said bringing the organisations together under one brand would raise netball's profile in Rochdale and strengthen support for volunteers, coaches, community outreach and school work.

Rochdale AFC Netball will be based at Edgar Wood. The Community Trust also pointed to plans for the Community Football and Wellbeing Hub at Bowlee, saying the geographical proximity of the projects made closer cooperation a natural step.

The move follows a wider trend in British sport in which professional football and rugby clubs have partnered with netball organisations to increase visibility, participation and long-term sustainability. In Rochdale, the organisations say their approach will remain community focused and open to people of all ages.

Further information about Rochdale AFC Netball teams, programmes and opportunities to get involved is expected to be announced in due course.