Rochdale AFC Community Trust’s Hope Football team shines at Refugee World Cup

Rochdale AFC Community Trust’s Hope Football team shines at Refugee World Cup

Rochdale AFC Community Trust’s Hope Football team is celebrating after being invited to play at the Refugee World Cup.

The community football team, a mixed adult team for anyone new to the borough including refugees and those seeking sanctuary, made an impressive showing.

They took three teams and sailed through the qualifiers with goals from every team, demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.

Hope Football coordinator Liz Cotterill expressed her immense pride in the team’s achievements, particularly given that they have only been together for about a year.

She said, "Hope Football has been going for a year now, and we're so proud of them for getting invited to the Refugee World Cup.

"Saturday was a busy day, and the team played in five matches each to qualify for the quarter-finals, where Hope Football came third. We’re grateful to RAFC, RAFC Community Trust, and our community for all their kindness and support in helping us get here."

Hope Football meets every Wednesday from 5-7pm at the RAFC kick pitch, and anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to join. For more information, contact Liz Cotterill at liz.cotterill@rochdale.gov.uk