Safeguarding Latics’ future

SIGNED (back, from the left): James Tarkowski (defender), David Broadbent (Oldham Athletic sales and marketing executive), David Mellor (midfielder), (front, from the left) Neil Joy (Oldham Athletic chief executive), Ben Ingham (Safeguard Group) and Tony Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic head of youth development)

OLDHAM Athletic has unveiled its latest signing — new soccer academy sponsors, Safeguard Group.

The two-year deal will see the academy renamed the Oldham Athletic Safeguard Academy to mark the new partnership with the Chadderton company.

It’s hoped the new links will build on the success of the club’s academy — which has produced 10 of this season’s first-team squad.

More than 140 children attend academy sessions, which produce nine teams from under-8s upwards.

Ben Ingham, Safeguard Group’s education and community lead and Latics supporter, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the official sponsors.

“This is a unique partnership that safeguards a very exciting future for us as a business and Oldham Athletic.”

The company will also work with the club’s education and community trust to deliver specific sessions for young people to participate in sport and to encourage them to support their local team.

Latics sales and marketing executive, David Broadbent, added: “This is a fantastic partnership for the club. The academy is vital to the future of the club and the track record we have of producing young players is phenomenal.”

For more information visit the firm’s website, www.safeguard.uk.com.