Rochdale Masters encouraging new players as 35+ side prepares for new season

Rochdale Masters are back at the Soccer Factory

The Rochdale borough’s only Masters Rugby League club is encouraging players of all standards to come and join the Rochdale Masters family as they prepare for their fourth season.

The inclusive club formed in 2021 to encourage players aged 35+ to either get back into the sport or start playing for the first time, whilst having fun and making great memories both on and off the field.

Founder Carl Abraham said: “The borough has some unbelievable players with vast amounts of rugby league experience but masters rugby is completely different, it’s all about the social side and getting together having a run round and a laugh with your mates.”

Since forming in 2021, many friendships have been rekindled and friendships being made by individuals who would never have otherwise met. A staggering 71 players, aged 35-76, have donned a shirt and become part of the club's history by earning themselves a heritage number.

Many of the borough’s rugby league legends including Andrew Duffy, Niel Wood, Jason Clegg, Ian Murgatroyd and Wayne English are amongst the players to have donned the jersey but the club is now pushing for a bigger and better 2024.

Carl added: “As a group, we are always looking at other projects to increase participation but more importantly build relationships within our local communities.”

Through some generous funding by Action Together, the club has managed to source a winter training facility until weather and visibility allows a return to its normal training regime of meeting weekly at the home of Rochdale Mayfield.

The Masters motto reads “we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”

Rochdale Masters currently train at Soccer Factory (Pitch 8) in Castleton on Fridays between 6-7pm, with new players welcomed with open arms.

If you want to get involved, then please message the Facebook group, or contact Carl Abraham on abraham3287@hotmail.co.uk or 07792 826918.