Speaking on what will be one of the largest sponsorship contributions in the history of the club, College Principal Derek O’Toole said: "As one of the five National Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE’s) in the Further Education Sector, we are delighted to secure a working relationship with Rochdale Hornets. This will promote the sports curriculum of the College, together with other curriculum areas in which we can work together as a partnership. Our sponsorship contribution illustrates our commitment to working with partners in the Borough.”

Hornets Chief Executive Ann Manock was delighted with the link-up: "Working alongside Hopwood Hall College will cement Rochdale Hornets’ vision of becoming a genuine ‘community club’, with responsibilities to the future of Rochdale and its young adults. The link mirrors the work being undertaken here at Rochdale Hornets to raise our game off the field. It will also enable us to take a proactive approach to our wider responsibilities as a flagship business in the borough.”

With the the RFL working tirelessly to improve clubs’ links with schools, Colleges and Universities countrywide, we are proud to be one of the few National League One clubs to promote these links. We are ideally placed to advise on employment opportunities within the sport of Rugby League and happy to provide a vehicle that brings Hopwood Hall College’s huge sports offering to a wider audience. "

Steve Downham-Clarke, the College’s CoVE Manager in Sport added: "Our CoVE status shows our commitment to excellence and desire to work with professional and amateur clubs in the Borough. Through our Further Education Sports Academy programmes and other sports courses, the College provides a range of unique opportunities for learning and employment in sport."

Indeed, coached by former Hornet Matt Calland, Hopwood Hall’s Rugby League Academy became the Student Rugby League National Cup Champions last year - and it’s a success that Steve Downham-Clarke is keen to build on: “This partnership provides us with the opportunity to serve the sport of Rugby League and Rochdale Hornets while developing the curriculum of the College. We look forward to exciting opportunities that add value for our students, whilst benefiting the club, over the next three years”.

This exciting working relationship is a further example of the club’s progression within the competitive arena of amateur sport and wider community. It is also further evidence of the club’s improving profile within the town, the region and the game as a whole.

Commercial Director Karen Reynolds supports this view: “Hornets continues to be a club that is not afraid of embracing any new experiences - and this is an exciting time for both ourselves and our local College. As a club we recognise that the development of non playing opportunities within sport - and particularly in Rugby League - is greater now than ever before. With the support of Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale Hornets are ready to take the next step in the club’s ambitious community and educational programmes which, we hope, will benefit the long term future of the club both on and off the pitch.”