University centre on the ball

Head of University Centre Oldham Debbie Bridge, pictured with Lee Duxbury, Mark Hanscomb (head of media), Simon Corney and Chris Taylor.

THE University Centre Oldham is on the ball with Oldham Athletic after the two organisations announced a new partnership.

UCO will become a sponsor of the Coca-Cola League One club, advertising around the Boundary Park ground as well as in the club programme and on the website.

In exchange, Athletic players and staff will become involved in courses run by UCO, part of the University of Huddersfield.

Latics winger Chris Taylor was quizzed about his footballing career on the day the partnership was announced. He and reserve-team manager Lee Duxbury and managing director Simon Corney visited the centre as part of the new link.

Defender Kelvin Lomax recently spent time working with media students Jessica Marsden and Safina Kauser, who filmed and produced a video with the defender.

The partnership will also see UCO students take up work-experience placements at Boundary Park to experience at first hand the workings of a professional football club.

Students will also be able to take advantage of cut-price ticket offers.

“I’m delighted to see this new link between the club and UCO. It should be a long-term relationship that will bring benefits for both club and university,” said Mr Corney.

Debbie Bridge, head of UCO, added: “Our partnership with Oldham Athletic offers great opportunities for our students to gain valuable experience in all aspects of the operation of the football club.

“As Oldham’s university centre, this will give us an opportunity to showcase higher education opportunities to a wider audience, and to show that we have something to offer families and communities throughout the borough.”

UCO’s new University Studios building was recently opened by actor Patrick Stewart, chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.