Oldham pupil earns Oldham Athletic academy place after talent spotted by ex-Latics player turned teacher

A pupil at EdStart Schools Oldham has earned a place in the Oldham Athletic academy after his football talent was spotted by teacher and former Latics midfielder Dan Gardner.

EdStart Schools is a group of schools across the North West that supports young people who may have struggled in mainstream education, helping them to re-engage with learning and access wider life opportunities.

Charlie Price, 15, is now training with Oldham Athletic while continuing his education at EdStart Schools, where staff say his attitude, focus and consistency have improved significantly.

His pathway into the club began when Gardner, who played for Oldham Athletic before becoming a teacher at EdStart Schools, noticed his ability during school football activity and inter-school games.

Charlie said football has always been part of his life growing up in Newton Heath.

“I grew up in Newton Heath - the place where Manchester United started. Football is in my blood,” he said.

“One of my earliest memories is walking past the library and seeing the United mural on the wall. You grow up seeing that and you know this is a football area.”

Charlie played for a number of grassroots teams before taking a break from the game. It was during that break that his ability was spotted through EdStart Schools, with Gardner helping to open the door to a move into Oldham Athletic and using football as an incentive for Charlie in school.

“Staff at EdStart understand me more than mainstream. My behaviour in school reflects on my football, so I know I’ve got to stay on track.”

Outside of football, Charlie has been building discipline through fitness and routine.

“I run 5k a week and go to the gym. My goal is to run multiple 10ks per week.”

EdStart Schools teacher Dan Gardner said Charlie’s ability stood out immediately.

“Charlie’s ability stood out straight away when we saw him play in school and inter-school football matches. He’s a really talented player who can do something out of nothing. Since being at EdStart, we’ve seen real progress in his consistency and behaviour. He’s a good kid and he’s responding well to the support and structure around him.”

Oldham Athletic academy manager and EdStart Schools Director of Leadership and Culture, Micky Mellon, said Charlie’s talent was clear from the outset.

“His ability stood out straight away in inter-school games. We knew he had played at a good level and he’s progressed well since joining us,” he said.

Mellon said attitude and education are just as important as football ability.

“Having ability gets you so far. It’s then all about attitude, self-discipline and the desire to improve every day. People have to learn how to learn, listen, then produce what you’ve learned on a football pitch or in an exam paper.”

He added that EdStart Schools plays a key role in helping young people find direction.

“At EdStart, we want every young person to have the chance to thrive and succeed in whatever drives them. For some it’s football, for others it’s something completely different. Charlie is a great example of what can happen when you give young people the right support, structure and belief.”

Charlie is now playing above his age group within the Oldham Athletic academy system.

“Everybody is pleased with Charlie’s development. He’s playing up a year which shows he’s ready for that level of challenge,” Mellon added.

Charlie said his ambition remains clear.

“My goal is to keep working hard and see where it takes me. I’d love to play for Manchester United one day.”

He also offered advice to other young people considering EdStart Schools:

“Turn up every day and keep positive. Staff will have better relationships with you than at mainstream and understand you more.”

---

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.