Oldham Athletic Community Trust's first summer Kicks session in High Crompton Park was a huge success with local young people as 31 youngsters enjoyed free football with the coaches.
The five summer sessions have been funded by a trio of local councillors in a bid to give the young people of the area something constructive to do during an evening time, when traditionally there is not a lot of provision for them to engage in.Local councillors Diane Williamson, John Dillon and Dave Murphy all agreed to fund the summer sessions for the youngsters to enjoy.
Cllrs Dave Murphy and Diane Williamson attended the first session on Tuesday and said: "It was a pleasure to support this initiative and we were pleased that a number of young people who were in the park engaged in the games of football, there was some very talented players. We're really looking forward to the next four sessions."
The Community Trust staff will be in High Crompton Park for the next four weeks between 6:30pm and 8:30pm offering free football. The sessions also feature a portable sound system, which was funded by the GMP from the 'giving back to the community fund', meaning even if you do not like playing football, you can come down and listen to some music in a safe and chilled out environment.
Martin Vose, OACT Participation Manager, added: “We cannot thank the local councillors enough for their support of the project. From speaking to some of the young people at the session they really appreciate the project and the fact they have now have something to do. To have 31 young people at the first session shows just how much of a need there is for a session like this."
Kicks is a nationwide project ran by a host of professional football clubs community departments. The Kicks project in Oldham is growing rapidly, with support from GMP and the boroughs detached response team. The project sees the Community Trust staff delivering both football and dance sessions within the heart of the community free of charge for the young people in the local area to enjoy. The Kicks project engages over 200 young people per week, providing positive opportunities through the power of sport.
If you would like more information on the work OACT undertake in the community, please contact martin.vose@oldhamathletic.co.uk.