Lauren on ball for Latics

Date published: 06/05/2009

LAUREN Woodward scored with her design for a football mascot.

The entry of the 10-year-old pupil from Rushcroft Primary is so good that it will represent Oldham Athletic in a national competition.

Latics received over 100 entries from children across the borough for the mascot which could eventually be chosen to represent the ‘Kick it Out’ anti-racism campaign.

The winning design will be known as Kio — Kick it Out’s official mascot.

Youngsters were encouraged to think about what characteristics Kio the mascot will have.

James Mwale, Latics Community Trust inclusion co-ordinator, was particularly impressed with Lauren’s entry.

He said: “What struck us was the effort Lauren put into her design, which she also created into a three-dimensional papier mache design.

“She also put a lot of thought into her design which was of a zebra which was to show black and white getting on together.

“Lauren’s winning entry is a great example of how young people can come up with positive ideas on the subject of tackling discrimination in a creative way.”