Dedicated duo with a message

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT: volunteers Thomas Kearns and Kiera Baxter

FOOTBALL: DYNAMIC duo Thomas Kearns and Kiera Baxter are to take their message of happy, healthy living into Oldham’s schools.

The 16-year-olds, who both study at Oldham Sixth Form College after leaving Saddleworth School, have become the faces of Uppermill FC, where they not only play but also head the club’s new Young Ambassadors scheme.

They will recruit and mentor young leaders at the club — players aged 13 and over can start

coaching — and in the community in their numerous visits to local sports groups.

Uppermill first team manager Simon Tait, who also works for Oldham Council’s integrated youth service, says the next step is to send the pair into schools to spread the word about positive living.

He added: “I cannot begin to emphasise how important Thomas and Kiera have become to Uppermill FC for all their hard work in helping out and coaching, as well as continuing to play.

“But they do so much more than that in the community and are role models for other youngsters.

“They both volunteer their free time and have already been to primary schools to coach pupils in various sports, not just football.

“But over the next 12 months the aim is for Thomas and Kiera to specifically get across the message of how taking part in sporting activities can help friendships blossom and keep you healthy at the same time.

“The best way to do this is to get them into schools in the area on a regular basis and speak to young people directly.”

Thomas and Kiera have both been rewarded for the time and energy they have sacrificed over the last three years.

West Riding County FA nominated Thomas to attend the FA’s national young leadership camp in the summer — he is now an official ambassador for the English FA and a national young leader.

Kiera has joined the West Riding County FA’s leadership management team and will be working on regional and national initiatives.

Back at Uppermill, the Young Ambassadors scheme is launched later this month, and Tait is excited to see the impact Thomas and Kiera make.

He added: “The young leaders with whom they will be working will be encouraged to undertake personal development including coaching, FA Football Futures, fundraising, sports leaders UK sessions and school holiday camps.

“This is all part of the long-term drive to help young people improve themselves and, in turn, improve the lives of others by learning how to pass on the skills.”