FCHO teams up with Oldham Athletic to offer youngsters football sessions

A housing association has joined forces with Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT) to offer free weekly football sessions for children in Derker.

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has given £5,000 to the trust to deliver the year-long after-school programme at Mayfield Primary School for children aged 9–12. 

The move follows FCHO’s partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on the Operation Vulcan crime crackdown in the area. GMP has now stepped away from the intensive ‘clear ‘phase of the operation to the ‘hold and build’ elements. 

This change identified a gap in youth engagement and good-quality provision that FCHO was happy to fund to help deter issues like anti-social behaviour. 

Head of community at OACT, Martin Vose, said: “This is an important programme that promotes wellbeing and physical activity in a structured and fun way. It will also be positive for the community and build social cohesion following Operation Vulcan while making sure our youngsters have a great time. 

“Many thanks to FCHO for funding the sessions. We are grateful for this partnership. Thanks also to Mayfield Primary School who has allowed us to use their pitch for free.” 

FCHO stronger communities manager Naomi Martin Smith added: “FCHO is committed to helping our communities thrive and these sessions are a good use of funding in a great partnership with OACT at a crucial time for Derker. We have been a partner in Operation Vulcan and the good work GMP has achieved needs to continue with initiatives like this. 

“Without structured activities, there is an increased risk of ASB, but we can meet this head on with safe, positive opportunities for young people.” 

Detective chief inspector Chris Julien, from GMP’s Operation Vulcan team, added: “The long-term sustainability of the Operation Vulcan partnership relies on initiatives such as the free weekly football sessions for children in Derker. By offering activities and events, we can help engage with young people and provide them with structure, exercise, and more, while promoting cohesion and reducing anti-social behaviour. 

“Officers are still robustly engaging with the community through both engagement and enforcement work, and they will continue to do so to help the people of Derker in the months and years to come.” 

There are 30 first come, first served places available for any local child on a Monday from 4 to 5.30pm at the school. Just turn up at the Waverley St entrance to take part.