Rochdale AFC hosting public webinar to get ideas from community

Rochdale AFC CEO David Bottomley, commercial director Frances Fielding, manager Brian Barry-Murphy are taking part in the webinar

Covid-19 has forced football clubs to play their games behind closed doors and with the community unable to come to Rochdale AFC, Rochdale AFC are coming to the community with a free webinar.

To be hosted via Zoom between 8.30am and 10am on Thursday 26 November, the virtual event – entitled ‘Behind Closed Doors: What Rochdale AFC can do for you’ – will be chaired by award-winning journalist Chris Maguire.

Club officials are inviting businesses, schools, community groups and fans to tell them what they want from their local football club.

CEO David Bottomley, commercial director Frances Fielding, manager Brian Barry-Murphy, club captain Eoghan O'Connell and 16-year-old Ethan Brierley, who has just broken into the first team after progressing through Rochdale’s successful Academy system, will be taking part in the exclusive webinar.

From phoning up older season ticket holders to reading stories to younger fans; from speaking about life as a professional footballer to sending birthday or get well wishes to supporters; Rochdale AFC has resolved to put a smile back on the face of Rochdale – and now it needs your help.

CEO David Bottomley explained: “Everyone knows the financial challenges facing football clubs but it’s easy to overlook the impact the lack of football on a Saturday has on the community, which is why we’ve decided to do something about it.

“The club generates millions of pounds for the local economy from travelling fans and last year made headlines all around the world when we played Manchester United at Old Trafford and hosted Newcastle United in the FA Cup.

“For a lot of people, the football club is Rochdale’s best kept secret but now the community needs us more than ever.

“All the playing and non-playing staff are committed to getting involved but we want your ideas. If you know someone who wants their favourite player to sing them happy birthday then let us know. If we can help give a public health message around Covid-19 then tell us. They can be serious or fun but now’s the time.”

To register for the free webinar on 26 November visit:

• https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ahOm-F69QSOrw-k9FrKiQQ