Saints set sights on more success

OLDHAM St Anne’s under-13s face Haresfinch Hawks in the Lancashire Cup final.

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne’s are an amateur rugby league club run in a professional manner.

More than 100 volunteers dedicate their time to coaching, team management, social activity planning, ground maintenance, fundraising and committee roles.

The hard work is paying off on the pitch. On Saturday, the under-13s head to Leigh Sports Village stadium for a Lancashire Cup final clash with Haresfinch Hawks.

The open age first team won promotion to National Conference One, and the second string play in the North-West Counties One — the highest level of any second team in the North-West.

Add to this the numerous former Saints juniors who have graced professional ranks — most notably Kyle Eastmond at St Helens — and it is clear the club are on the right tracks in their bid for continued success.

Dave Charles, a former player who now enjoys coaching the under-11s said: “We have come on leaps and bounds over the last few years.

“The future of the club is so important, and with that in mind we pay for our volunteers to take coaching courses in order for them to reach the necessary level.

“There has been investment in facilities, the clubhouse and pitches.

“None of it would have been possible without volunteers willing to give us their time.”

The club have nine junior and youth sides from under-nines to under-18s level, as well as a development group comprised of under-eights.

More than 180 youngsters are involved in the set-up.

Over the years, officials have established strong links to primary and secondary schools in a bid to get as many people as possible involved in the sport.

Dave added: “We pride ourselves on being inclusive and open to all.

“Young people can come along and learn a lot about the sport.”

Saints, who have Clubmark Gold status, are still keen to recruit more volunteers and players.

Call Dave on 07986 761 556 if you would like to get involved.


Anyone interested in getting involved in local voluntary sport should call Simon Tait of Oldham Council’s youth sports development team, on (0161) 770 3050, or email simon.tait@oldham.gov.uk