Latics' Boundary Park stadium to open on Christmas Day for community

Latics' Boundary Park stadium will open its doors on Christmas Day for the first time to provide support for members of the local community.

The stadium will be open to offer a welcoming space for local people and in particular those who may find the day more challenging than most. 

From 1pm until 3.30pm, supporters and residents are invited to come together for food, drink and conversation in the supporters' bar, Bar 1895, with club staff in attendance and a visit from chairman Frank Rothwell.

The club recognises that Christmas can bring mixed emotions for many, especially for those who are on their own or missing loved ones.

The ground will be open to all supporters who want to visit.

To help create a warm atmosphere, a full replay of the National League play-off final victory against Southend will also be shown.

On announcing the initiative, Latics Chief Operating Officer Craig Dootson said: “At the end of games, I have stood to watch supporters as they leave the stadium, and it strikes me how many of them walk out alone. 

“When you see people at football, you rarely know their circumstances, and for some, coming to matches might be the only social connection they have.

"Studies show that around eight million people in the UK expect to feel lonely between Christmas and New Year, and that really stays with you.

“Our club sits right at the heart of the community and a club like ours is a powerful way of bringing people together. That’s why we want to open our doors on Christmas Day.

"There’ll be free food, drinks and a warm welcome waiting for anyone who wants to come along.

“There’s a big difference between being alone and feeling lonely.

"I’ve experienced that myself, and I know how difficult Christmas can be when you have nowhere to be and no one to see.

"You switch on the TV or scroll through social media and see families celebrating together, and it can be tough if that doesn’t reflect your own situation.

“I’ve only been at Oldham a few weeks, but it’s already clear this is a family-orientated club.

"We’re owned by a wonderful family who are deeply passionate about both the club and the town.

"When I shared this idea with them, they were immediately supportive.

“The club already does a huge amount of good work across Oldham, but we want this to be the start of even more.”

The club hopes that anyone feeling lonely or would simply like to call in will feel comfortable dropping in.

Whether they come to share some food, enjoy the match replay, or simply talk with others, Latics wants all supporters to feel part of the Latics family this Christmas.

To assist with numbers, supporters are asked register for free on the Latics website, although supporters are also welcome to attend without registering.

Any local organisations who would like to support the initiative can email: craig.dootson@oldhamathletic.co.uk

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