Game alive and kicking

WHAT a magnificent season it has been for amateur football in Oldham, with Avro, Springhead, Diggle and Chaddy End FC all excelling.

At the close of the 2011-12 campaign, it is good to reflect on the achievements of these clubs, all of which flew the flag for Oldham and whose success flies in the face of those who claim that the local game is on the wane.

Together with Royton Town, both Avro and Springhead have ended the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division season in respectable positions.

Avro won the Manchester County FA Challenge Trophy, while Springhead, who went 21 games unbeaten in the league, lifted the Gilgryst Cup.

Diggle claimed the Barlow Cup in the grandiose setting of the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, while Chaddy End became the first Oldham Sunday League side to collect the Manchester County FA Amateur Sunday Cup.

Uppermill finished in third place in Division One of the Huddersfield and District League, with Heyside coming a creditable fourth in Division Two.

In the Lancashire and Cheshire League, AFC Oldham 2005 continue to show the desire to develop strongly both on and off the field in the future.

And, while there are arguments on both sides of the well-chronicled referees’ boycott in the Oldham Sunday League, it has to be said that the league’s management committee held their nerve, steadied the ship and steered member clubs to the conclusion of a 44th season.

So, a massive well done to all concerned.

Now, all that amateur football in Oldham needs is the support of the authorities to upgrade facilities and reflect on all the good work that is going on out there. Here’s hoping.