Celebrating sport in the borough

INDIVIDUALS, coaches and volunteers from the borough will be recognised at the One Future Oldham Sports Awards 2012 ceremony on June 29, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Leading up to the event, we’ll be publishing details of the nominees for the various categories.



Sports performer


DYLAN GREEN (water polo): A product of the Royton club, Dylan became one of the youngest players in the National League when he was chosen for City of Manchester aged just 14 in September, 2011. This season he helped the Royton team to win two league titles and was picked for Great Britain under-16s.

KATIE ZELEM

(football): Captain of Manchester United and an England under-17 international, Katie sets a fine example to her team-mates. Always eager to enhance her skills, she is often the first to training. Katie also provides support to young players in the centre of excellence and will be taking a volunteer role with the under-nines development squad next season once she has completed her level one coaching badge.



Volunteer in sport


PHIL DEAN (football): Secretary for 14 years, groundsman and kitman of Royton FC. A driving force behind the club’s move through the amateur leagues, he dedicates more than 25 hours per week to the club.

NIKKI GREEN (athletics): Nikki oversees a ‘Run England’ group at Moorside Community Centre, providing help and advice whenever she can. Her efforts have led to some of the women joining Rochdale Harriers.

IAN WARD (football): If a job needs doing, players and officials of Santos FC can rely on secretary Ian Ward. From sorting out the paperwork before, during and after games, to running the line and fetching balls, he does it all no questions asked. As secretary, Santos have never asked or expected a signing-on fee, but Ian still pays up.

KELVIN STRUDWICK (rugby union): Child welfare officer for Oldham Rugby Union Club, Kelvin also takes on administrative role for the under-16s side and

provides transport to games. That’s not all. He puts in many hours carrying out maintenance jobs at the ground and comes up with numerous leads for new sponsors.



Unsung hero

DAVID VALENTINE (bowls): After joining Shaw Comrades as a player in the 1960s when it was known as the Osram club, David has gone to fill such roles as chairman, secretary and fund-raiser. Because of ill-health he can no longer bowl, but he still puts in the time to make sure others can. With an eye on the future, he is developing a junior section.

ANGELA GRIFFITH (netball): An umpire on the local and national circuit, she also actively engages with teams, from juniors to seniors, passing on her knowledge of the rules and skills of the game. She has also played a huge role in developing and mentoring netballers in the borough to become involved in umpiring.



Contribution to school sport

GARY MELLING (Saddleworth High School): A PE teacher who is passionate about rugby league, Gary

has a big influence not only on the teams he coaches but also individuals.

He ensures the children have structure and discipline, but also makes sport an enjoyable

experience. Gary puts in time inside and outside of school hours so children can feel the benefits of sport.



Physical activity achiever

ALFRED HUNTINGDON: Four years ago, Alfred, now 67, was diagnosed with ulcers. He was told to lose weight and make lifestyle changes, which included giving up smoking. To get fit, he joined the ‘Let’s Go For A Walk Scheme’ and has been with the group ever since as a walk leader. In 2011, Alfred’s wife sadly died, but determined not to fall into old habits, he continues to walk.



Club of the year

RAINY CITY ROLLER GIRLS: In September last year, Rainy City Roller Girls opened a new 300-seater sports venue called ‘The Thunderdome’. They have since attracted hundreds of spectators and welcomed teams from all over the country. Rainy City also offer ‘learn to skate’ lessons for those who want a bit of fun and exercise, but are not interested in the competitive side of the sport.


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