A 10-year-old footballer from Whitworth celebrated her birthday by dribbling a football 10 miles over the Easter weekend, raising funds for new equipment for her team. Eden Ashworth, who plays for Rochdale AFC Ladies under-10s, completed the challenge to support her teammates. Her efforts caught the attention of the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Janet Emsley, who presented Eden with a Mayoral Appreciation Award in recognition of her achievement.
Fundraising Success
Eden’s mother, Kimberley, expressed her pride in her daughter’s accomplishment. “Eden completed a dribbling football challenge for her 10th birthday. She raised £500, and the money is going to support her football team to help purchase equipment and cover general costs. We are so proud of Eden,” she said. The funds will be used to buy new gear and support the team’s activities throughout the season.
Community Spirit
Eden is not alone in her fundraising efforts. Whitworth Valley Football Club’s under-eights team, managed by Callum Whitehead, also organized a sponsored fancy dress walk around Whitworth to raise money for their squad. These initiatives highlight the strong community spirit among local football clubs in the Rochdale area.
The Mayor’s award ceremony took place at the town hall, where Eden was praised for her dedication and generosity. Councillor Emsley remarked, “Eden’s commitment to her team and her community is truly inspiring. She is a fantastic role model for young people everywhere.”
