Simply the best academy

Hamilton’s praise after Oasis link-up

OLDHAM’s new £25.5 million Oasis Academy Oldham has joined forces with Oldham RL.

Coaches and players from the rugby league club will hold training and mentoring sessions with students, and plans are also in place to involve club physios and nutrition experts in lessons.

The academy moved to a new building at Hollins in September and the Kingstone Press Championship One side already trains there. The sports facilities include 3G pitches, an athletics track and a multi-use games area.

Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton said: “We are hugely impressed — they are simply the best sporting amenities we have ever used.

“We hope this will be a long-standing relationship, helping to promote rugby league at grass roots level.

“Physical fitness is so important to young people and there are many valuable skills to learn from sport, including discipline, commitment, respect and team work.

“This partnership also crucially gives us the ability to drive up standards within our own club. We are genuinely excited at the opportunities this partnership provides.”

Head coach Scott Naylor added: “The facilities are of the highest standard and this has not only given everybody at the club a huge boost, but has enabled us to carry out high level, high intensity training at every session.”

Joe Varey, head of PE at the academy, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to work with some of the leading sports stars in our area.

“We are keen to use the club’s knowledge and expertise in areas like fitness and nutrition by involving them in suitable lessons.”