Eight children from South Failsworth Primary School are set to represent Latics in March, as they travel to Crewe to take part in the Northern Finals of the Kinder+Sport Football League Kids Cup.
The team are now only one round away from playing on the pitch at Wembley Stadium, prior to the League One play-off Final in May.
South Failsworth's journey began in November, as they entered the Oldham Athletic qualifying round of the tournament, finishing top of their group and earning a place at the finals day, which was held this week at Chapel Road.
The finals day consisted of the eight best teams from this year’s competition who had progressed from their groups. The eight schools who qualified were: Hodgeclough, St Pauls, Rushcroft, St Johns, Thorp, Mills Hill, Greenhill and South Failsworth. The evening contained plenty of goals and some fantastic individual and team performances from the youngsters.
There was plenty of skill on show during the night with 64 children from across Oldham taking part in the event. On the night the top two teams from both groups then progressed to a semi-final which saw Mills Hill v Hodgeclough and South Failsworth v St Pauls. Both semi-finals were close games with plenty of heart stopping moments for all the schools. In the end Hodgeclough narrowly defeated Mills Hill whist South Failsworth reached the final after a dramatic extra time which saw three goals scored.
The final again was a close game as Hodgeclough faced South Failsworth. Both sides played extremely well with some outstanding individual performances. There could only be one winner however and it was South Failsworth who were celebrating come the final whistle.
Martin Vose, Trust Participation Manager commented: "It's a fantastic opportunity for the boys to go to Crewe and represent their school, their town and also Oldham Athletic Football Club.
"They have beaten off competition from 35 other schools to reach this stage, so we wish them the best of luck. I look forward to watching them take on the other northern finalists in March."
The Npower Football League Kids Cup is a national tournament, with representatives from every football league club taking part, with individual clubs holding qualifying heats.
Oldham Athletic Community Trust would like to thank all of the schools for taking part in this year’s competition.
Pictured is the triumphant team.