Two of the town's biggest players have teamed up thanks to an exciting partnership agreement.

Oldham Athletic and University Campus Oldham (UCO) have penned a deal which will see the institution throw its weight behind the town's professional team.

In exchange, Athletic's players and staff will become involved in courses run by University Campus Oldham - and the scheme is already underway.

Defender Kelvin Lomax was in Oldham Town Centre recently working with media students under the direction of course leader Mark Handscomb.

The students, Jessica Marsden and Safina Kauser, filmed and produced a short video presentation with the footballer, and the finished project was presented to club officials recently.

The link-up will also see UCO students take up work experience placements at Boundary Park, in order to experience first-hand the workings of a professional football club.

Additionally, students will be able to take advantage of ticket offers, details of which are set to follow in due course.

Meanwhile, UCO will be taking up an advertising presence around Boundary Park, in the programme and on the club's official website, www.oldhamathletic.co.uk.

Latics' managing director, Simon Corney, said:

"I'm delighted to see this new link between the club and UCO. It should be a long term relationship that will bring benefits for both the club and University."

Debbie Bridge, head of University Campus Oldham, welcomed the deal. She added:

"Our partnership with Oldham Athletic offers great opportunities for our students to gain valuable experience in all aspects of the operation of the football club.

"As Oldham's University Campus, this will give us an opportunity to showcase higher education opportunities to a wider audience, and to show that we have something to offer to families and communities throughout the Borough.

"We've already started working on some exciting joint projects so watch this space!"

University Campus Oldham is part of the University of Huddersfield, rated number one in teaching quality amongst all northern Universities in the 2005 Times Higher Education Supplement league table.

The institution celebrated the opening of the new University Studios building, performed by Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, Professor Patrick Stewart, last month.

For Higher Education that's a little closer to home why not take a look at University Campus Oldham?

T: 0161 213 5000 E: oldham@hud.ac.uk