The ‘heart and soul’ of Hollinwood

ON THE BALL: Fred Halliwell of Hollinwood ARLFC

FOR more than 30 years, Fred Halliwell has given his all to Hollinwood ARLFC.

He joined the rugby club, who currently play in the North-West Counties League Division Three, from Shaw where he was struggling to hold down a regular place in the team.

Since then, Fred has been involved in all aspects of life at Hollinwood, starting as a player before retiring at 51 due to injury and moving on to roles as trainer, coach and secretary.

Now, aged 72, Fred is still crucial to the club and spends his time sorting out the players’ kits, marking the pitch and making sure match days run smoothly, as well as being on sponge- man duty.

“Once you get to the top, you’ve got to start going back down again,” Fred said about his changing roles at the club.

“I’m only doing seven-and-a-half days a week now! I’m winding down a little bit!

“There’s no point standing on the touchline when you could be involved, even if it’s at a lower level.”

And it seems Fred's enthusiasm for Hollinwood is infectious.

“They have all been following since the day they came out of hospital,” Fred said proudly.

“The whole family is involved.”

Fred's hard work for the club hasn’t gone unnoticed by others — the devoted rugby fan, who enjoys watching Oldham and St Helens, has been nominated for the Pride in Oldham sports administrator award.

“He’s the heart and soul behind Hollinwood ARLFC,” said Elaine Grady, who nominated Fred.

“Fred works hard and devotes so much time to the rugby club.

“It would fold if he was not around.

“He is Hollinwood ARLFC.”

Regarding his nomination, Fred said: “To be honest I’m absolutely gobsmacked.

“We couldn’t do everything we do at the club without everyone else, but deep down I am very proud.”