Oldham Athletic's Kickz project is burning the midnight oil during Ramadan.

In the Islamic faith, Muslims practice fasting during the month of Ramadan which entails not eating or drinking while the sun shines.

With this in mind, it makes it difficult to participate in physical activity as you won't have as much energy and will be dehydrated if you aren't able to eat or drink.

Through the month of Ramadan, historically, there are issues around anti-social behaviour with young people hanging around after they have broken their fast during late evening and early morning.

Within Oldham there are many agencies who work in partnership to provide activities to suit the needs of all communities.

Being aware of specific needs for Ramadan is part of this excellent approach.

As part of the Kickz project, Oldham Athletic works with a group of young people within the Coldhurst area who felt the need for provision should be adapted through the month of Ramadan.


This process was done through consultation with the young people and it was identified that they wanted to still participate in football but this would be between the hours of 10pm - 12am which will happen on Tuesday and Saturday evenings between these times.

One of the aims of the Kickz project is to try and reduce the incidences of youth anti-social behaviour through providing positive diversionary activities throughout the year.

With these specific times through Ramadan it is proving successful in providing something for young people to be involved in rather than being on the street and possibly being perceived as participating in anti-social activities.

The sessions through Ramadan are being delivered by Oldham Athletic Community Trust in partnership with Oldham Community Leisure who have shown massive support for the local community through allowing the Grange all-weather pitch to be used at these later times.

James Mwale Oldham Athletic Community Trusts Kickz project co-ordinator said: "Due to the physical nature of football it was important for us to listen to the views of the young people on what they wanted to do through the month of Ramadan. This has proven to be successful and it has shown with attendances at sessions."

"The coaches have been excellent and have shown great enthusiasm in delivering sessions at these late hours. There are a few Inclusion projects that go under the title of midnight leagues but deliver up until 10pm but this one actually provides until midnight.

" In the future this will be the way for us to go when delivering through Ramadan as it's something which is clearly needed."

For further information please contact James Mwale on 0161 678 8464