The Laticzone Centre is a state-of-the-art facility at Oldham Athletic Football Club which offers unique and exciting learning experiences for children, young people and families.

Laticzone is part of the integrated Youth Study Support Service within Oldham Council, and works closely with schools and partners to support and contribute to raising standards, including both attainment and personal/social achievement levels (such as confidence, self esteem, motivation).

Laticzone is one of two study centres of its kind in Oldham at joins up with 162 centres across the country as part of the Government initiative Playing for Success.

The aim of Playing for Success is to support schools by contributing in raising standards in literacy, numeracy and ICT through the medium of sport.This is delivered through creative, innovative and challenging learning experiences for key stage two and three young people. Activities can include animation film making, use of the TV studio, interviews with an Oldham Athletic player, news reports, newsletters, building a stadium project, creating a dream team, education, city and many more.

The main aim is to narrow the gap in standards through creativity, innovation, excitement, fun, top of the range resources, providing a unique learning environment and ultimately meeting the needs of each young person.

Study support enables children and young people to access learning activities through additional study and outside of school hours. The emphasis is that children and young people take part in the activities on a voluntary basis or as part of an agreement arranged with schools/partners and staff for alternative provision.

The excitement of attending a sports stadium to learn cannot be underestimated. The atmosphere and ethos of the clubs involved are echoed in the centres.

During the last school academic year some key results include:

95% of school staff would recommend the centre to other schools

82% of schools are satisfied with the improvements the young people gain through their time at the Study Centres

83% of schools were satisfied in student's development in confidence, self esteem and changes in attitude towards learning.

566 young people were involved in Playing for Success with a total of 2,484 visits overall

85% of young people improved in numeracy, literacy and ICT skills during their time on Playing for Success

85% attendance across both centre's during Playing for Success

40 schools have been involved in Playing for Success

One pupil has become more organised and focused - actually does his literacy and numeracy homework!'

'Pupils re-enthused in their attitude to learning'.

'All children that attended improved inconfidence in the aboveareas and were all really proud of their efforts'.

'The majority of children that have accessed the programme have achieved level 4 in literacy and numeracy' (KS2).

Children very enthusiastic and self-esteem has improved as a result of the programme'.

92% of young people would recommend Playing for Success and the study centres to their friends.

If you would like further information about what we do at Laticzone please contact the centre on 0161 770 5697/8997 or email studysupport@oldhamlea.org.uk