Five young people from Oldham Athletic Community Trust’s Kicks project recently had the chance to represent the club as they faced Everton in the Premier League Kicks project.
The Premier League Kicks project is based in disadvantaged areas and supports Sport England’s aim to take sport to where people are, enabling clubs to work with young people that may have previously been difficult to engage with. Football is the primary focus but the vibrant nature of the programme has enhanced its appeal to young people by offering a multi sports element with more than 35 other sports being delivered.
The game was held at The Honeywell Centre, Oldham – the location for the Community Trusts Saturday night Kicks sessions. Despite the horrendous conditions, Oldham came out 12-9 winners, with every outfield member of the team getting on the scoresheet.
The Polyflor sponsored Oldham started brightly with four quick goals to take an early 4-0 lead. Shortly, after a bizarre five minutes of play, saw both teams score two goals each straight from their kick-off after conceding. With all the goals the teams went in at half time with Oldham narrowly winning 6-5.
As always the Community Trust would particularly like to thank Polyflor who sponsor the Kicks team. Without the support of Polylflor additional opportunities such as this fixture would not be possible.
Next up for the team is a trip to play Wigan on Saturday, February 13 prior to the Wigan Athletic v Oldham Athletic first team game, the trip being extra special as the team are staying to watch the fixture courtesy of Wigan Athletic Community Trust.
Oldhams domination in the second half shone through, with Nyle Harrop getting amongst the goals to leave the final score Oldham Athletic Kicks 12-9 Everton Kicks.
Squad and goal scorers: William Greenhalgh (GK), Nyle Harrop 7, Sean Edwards 1, Terry Brenner 2 and Crawford Nuttall 2.
Man Of The Match – Nyle Harrop.
The North West Kicks League gives participants from Kicks an opportunity to play competitive games against other clubs and gives young people a chance to travel around the country representing both the football club but also their local area.
Oldham Athletic Community Trusts Kicks project delivers 9 sessions per week across the borough at various facilities. The project prides itself on using local facilities for local people to use and enjoy.
For more information on the work Oldham Athletic Community Trust delivers please email: martin.vose@oldhamathletic.co.uk.