Kyle to back young talent

Kyle Eastmond, now playing for Bath, back at St Annes ground

OLDHAM born and raised rugby union star Kyle Eastmond has launched a new talented young sports person search — the KE Next Generation awards.

The 24-year-old England and Bath centre, who hails from St Mary’s and attended the Radclyffe School in Chadderton, is on the look-out for five Oldham sporting hopefuls — they must be aged under 18 — who he is willing to guide, mentor and support as they head down the long road to sporting success.

Eastmond is seeking youngsters who have already shown a level of talent in their chosen sport, young people who have made sacrifices and maybe even overcome a degree of adversity as they strive to achieve their goals.

Chosen athletes must show the hunger and desire required to give themselves the best chance of turning their lives into a sporting success story.

Eastmond said: “The KE Next Generation awards gives me the chance to give something back to the community that I grew up in.

“I had a tough upbringing on St Mary’s so I know how difficult it can be to gain opportunities to shine in sport.

“I hope this initiative will give five young hopefuls a push in the right direction.”

Despite his increasingly hectic schedule, Eastmond has pledged to offer mentoring and specific support to the group of identified sporting performers, as well as a small bursary fund to those who need it.

An experienced panel will sift through and decide on the nominations received for the award boost, after certain criteria have been met.

If there is a talented young sports person in your club, school, or maybe lives on your street, who you feel would benefit further from assistance as part of the KE Next Generation awards, send in your nominations to —

Voluntary Sports Oldham, High Barn Resource Centre, High Barn Street, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6DW. Alternatively, email anna.shiels@oldham.gov.uk

Applications must provide a sporting CV, along with name, address and contact telephone.

The closing date is Wednesday, August 6.