Cup action looms large

FOOTBALL:

SCHOOLS will have to be quick off the mark following the summer break, with the first round of the ESFA under-12s Schools Cup just around the corner.

Ties must take place on or before Saturday, September 24, giving teachers little time to hold trials and select their squads before the national knock-out competition gets under way.

Failsworth Sports College have been handed a home draw against Haslingden High School (Rossendale), while Blue Coat go to Bolton.

As for teams with byes to the second round, Hulme Grammar School entertain Wellacre Technology Academy (Trafford) and Chadderton head to Chorlton.

Crompton House face a trip to Reddish Vale, while Royton and Crompton host Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (Blackburn and Darwen).

Second round ties are to be held on Saturday, October 8.



YOUNGSTERS flocked to football trials run by Oldham Athletic Community Trust at Failsworth Soccer Centre.



Coaches cast their eyes over the potential of under-sevens, eights and nines with the aim of recruiting more stars of the future for their development centres, in which players are trained by FA-qualified members of staff.

Hathershaw School also hosts development centre sessions for under-six, 10s and 11s.

Those who are snapped up can, if they impress development coaches, make the move to the Trust’s centre of excellence — a path three youngsters have followed in the last six months.

Information: 0161 678 8464.