Heyside join forces with junior league

FOOTBALL: OLDHAM’S Junior Soccer League (JSL) is going into partnership with Heyside FC with the aim of creating new and exciting opportunities for youngsters interested in football.

Officials from both sides are keen to reach a wider range of children to build a bright future for the next generation of young footballers.

JSL has enjoyed success since its introduction by former Heyside coach Kevin Dunkerley last year, with a popular four-a-side Football division earning FA Charter Standard League status.

And Heyside have just picked up the Sports Club of the Year gong at the Oldham Sports Awards.

Their chairman, Steve Grice, said: “It is easy to work with the JSL concept as it is based on the FA’s long-term strategy of growth and retention in a structured way.

“The English game is evolving and with the introduction of four versus four games it means there is a game pathway from a tender age through to open age.

“As a coach at Heyside, Kevin saw this through the club’s philosophy and JSL is a forerunner in league development.

“Heyside FC are proud to be associated with such forward thinking leagues and coaching structures as it benefits the players with more touches on the ball and should bring in more players and make it enjoyable.”