The voting is now open for the Pride In Oldham awards with the Oldham Athletic Community Trust pleading for your support.
Sport is widely described as an activity that brings people together and bridges the gap between different backgrounds and abilities; however, being able to provide sporting support in local communities is often harder than it looks. But for the encouragement of Oldham Athletic Community Trust, many youngsters in the local area may not be able to appreciate the positives of sport and it is for this reason that the trust has secured a Pride in Oldham nomination.
Established over 25 years ago as Oldham Athletic Football Club's community scheme, and as a charity organisation since 2007, the trust works with over 10,000 individuals per year through school and holiday sport provision and various community projects. The recent growth of their Kicks programme, which provides football development in disadvantaged areas, has helped improve confidence, co-operation and education.
Delighted Manager Martin Vose is thrilled that the hard work of the trust has been recognised: "We are really, really delighted with this nomination," he said. "The last 18 months have been hard work on all the staff after a change in management and the need to build up new relationships and a new work force so this is a fabulous reward for all who work here."
The trust was recommended for the award by Richard Murphy, from Oldham Metro Rotary Club, who first knew of the organisation when Martin Vose visited the club to give a talk. Mr Murphy said: "They wanted to set up a youth club in Derker but were advised against it at first by people who believed there wasn’t any scope for something like that in the area. The trust defied the naysayers and it has been a brilliant success in getting loads of kids involved. He continued: This organisation provides a lot of entertainment and the amount of work that they put in is unbelievable."
Oldham Athletic Community Trust is a charitable organisation (charity number 1120894) which was established over 25 years ago. The Community Trust aims to support the local community regardless of age, gender, race, religion or skill level and promote a healthier lifestyle through sport by encouraging individuals to take part in fun- based activities, which develop confidence, co-operation and education.
The voting has now opened for this year’s Pride In Oldham award. You can show your support for the Oldham Athletic Community Trust team by following the link to register your vote.