Rochdale AFC has its own cost-of-living crisis, but still manages to support its community

The cost-of-living crisis is something affecting everyone, from young families that live paycheque-to-paycheque, to businesses whose outgoings have significantly increased whilst their profit margins have declined. Though many find their escape in football, football can’t escape the current financial climate. Although the top Premier League clubs appear unfazed by the situation, it is a different story for lower league sides such as Rochdale AFC.

RainOnMe FC – Playing a Different Way

Women playing football is nothing new, but women being paid to play professional football is. Since 2018, professional female footballers earn £47,000 per year, a good sum by anyone’s standards but when compared with male footballers’ salaries, it’s pocket money. But it’s a start, and change only comes about when people who care, show it.

This is real Manchester

The Meteor asked photographer Gary Roberts to take some photos of ‘Real Manchester’ – the unique face of the city caught in glimpses by those who live it every day. Here’s what he came back with. If you attended our listening event on 16 and 17 November, you’ll have seen these pictures already. This is the story behind them.