Highlights from the Rochdale AFC Academy 2024–25 season showcasing progress along the EPPP development pathway for youth players.
Based in Greater Manchester, Rochdale AFC Academy runs a category 4 academy
In the 2023/24 season, Academy graduates played a total of 3,198 competitive first-team minutes, with debuts made by Bradley Kelly, Luke Mann, Corey Edwards, and Isaac Burgess.
Rochdale AFC Academy Products in 1st Team 2024/25
- Corey Edwards (Midfielder) #24
- Joe Akpan (Midfielder) #77
- Lucas Bispo Martinez (Midfielder) #74
Rochdale AFC Academy Players Loan Watch 2024/25
- John Dunlop (Midfielder) Newcastle Town
- Luke Mann (Midfielder) Prestwich Heys
- Isaac Burgess (Midfielder) Matlock Town
Academy Competitions For 2024/25
U18 Youth Alliance Cup
The EFL Youth Alliance Cup is a youth football tournament in England, organized by the English Football League (EFL). It features under-18 teams from League One and League Two clubs that compete in the EFL Youth Alliance, the league system for these academies.
The competition follows a format like the EFL Trophy, beginning with a regional group stage before progressing to a national knockout phase.
Designed to foster young talent at lower-tier EFL clubs, the tournament provides a structured competitive environment beyond regular league matches.
In the group stage, Rochdale U18 are drawn in Group 2 against under-18 teams from Port Vale, Salford City, Shrewsbury Town, Stockport County and Wrexham.
U18 Youth Alliance Cup Group Stage
- Won at home against Stockport County U18 (5 – 3)
- Lost at home against Wrexham U18 (2 – 1)
- Won away against Shrewsbury Town U18 (3 – 1)
- Won away against Port Vale U18 (3 – 0)
- Lost at home against Salford CityU18 (2 – 1)
Rochdale AFC Academy News
2nd October 2024
In the third round qualifying of the FA Youth Cup, Rochdale AFC Academy have been drawn at home to Blyth Spartans.
15th October 2024
Pools exited the FA Youth Cup after losing at home to Blyth Spartans AFC 1 – 1 (AET) and 7 – 6 on penalties.
17th March 2025
Rochdale AFC is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for current Year 11 boys to showcase their football talent, with the chance to join the club full-time next season.
The event is set for Tuesday, April 15, at the Platt Lane Sports Complex, the training base of Rochdale AFC’s first team. It will feature an open training session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8th April 2025
Corey Edwards, a second-year scholar, made his first league start for Jimmy McNulty’s side tonight against Sutton United.
Academy Players Off to New Clubs:
- Brooklyn Bailey (Joins Huddersfield Town)
- Brad Kelly (Joins Lancaster City)
- Joe Nicholson (Joins Macclesfield)