Rotherham United and Dinnington Town are thrilled to announce an exciting new grassroots partnership, marking a significant milestone in local football development.
This collaboration is set to usher in a new era of opportunity for Dinnington Town players and other aspiring young footballers in Rotherham.
Rotherham United, a club deeply committed to nurturing football talent across the region, handpicked Dinnington Town, along with a handful of other clubs to form strategic alliances.
Dinnington Town, recognised as an England Football accredited club, stands at the forefront of this initiative. Boasting over 250 children playing across 18 teams, plus 4 adults team, Dinnington Town provides a comprehensive pathway for budding footballers, from their 2 to 4 year-old soccer schools right up to their first team competing at the top of the the Black Dragon Premier Division North.
Under this partnership, Rotherham United Community Trust and the Rotherham United Academy will extend invaluable support to Dinnington Town Football Club.
This includes offering regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for coaches, sharing best practice session plans, and providing guidance on codes of conduct. Additionally, the partnership will facilitate the design of a tailor-made training program for players and coaches, fostering skill development and offering other extrinsic benefits to the club.
In a symbiotic relationship, Dinnington Town will identify and recommend players with suitable footballing abilities from their teams as well as teams they play, acting as a vital conduit to the Rotherham United academy and future stars programme.
Furthermore, players released from Rotherham United's academy will be signposted to find new opportunities at Dinnington Town, ensuring continued growth and learning.
The benefits for Dinnington Town players and coaches under this agreement are also extensive. They will have the opportunity to benefit from:
Development Squad Fixtures against Rotherham United teams at all ages.
Tickets to Rotherham United games, fostering a deeper connection with professional football.
Coach Development Partnerships to elevate coaching standards.
A 10% discount at Rotherham United's Holiday Camps.
Inclusion in the coaches club led by the Head of Coaching at Rotherham United.
Access to staff CPD sessions from the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.
Assistance with codes of conduct for parents, coaches, and players.
Biannual best practice sessions delivered by a UEFA B coach.
Workshops focusing on crucial topics like Equality & Diversity, and Banter vs Bullying.
The privilege to use the Rotherham United FC and Rotherham United Community Foundation club badges for promotional purposes.
Ashley Donovan, Football Development Coordinator for Rotherham United Community Trust, said “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for both Dinnington Town and Rotherham United Community Trust.
Together, we’ll empower grassroots football by providing support, resources, and expertise to nurture talent and strengthen the local football community. It’s about building pathways, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to thrive.
We’re thrilled to embark on this journey together and look forward to the positive impact it will have on Dinnington Town, RUCT, and our wider football family.”
Andy Marshall, Chairman of Dinnington Town Football Club, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are incredibly excited about this partnership. It's not just an opportunity for our players interested in academy pathways but a significant step in the development of our coaches.
The growth of our club over recent years has been amazing and this takes us forward again as a club. We've increased the number of teams across the age groups, invested in facilities like a 3G pitch, exemplifies our commitment to local football.
This partnership is a testament to our journey and our dedication to letting as many children as possible experience the joy of football.
From our side this is more than an agreement; it's a beacon of hope and progression for young football enthusiasts in Rotherham, and a commitment to the future of football in the region."
