In it for the Kickz

CHAMPIONS . . . Westwood Youngsters who won the under-15 event

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LOCAL lad Jamal Hussain is helping to keep youngsters off the streets in Coldhurst.

The 17-year-old organised a football tournament in association with Oldham Athletic’s Kickz community project which operates in the area.

The event, which was held in the sports hall at Grange High School, involved 60 young people with five under-15s teams taking part and four at under-18s level.

Westwood Youngsters won the under-15s event while Bengal triumphed in the under-18s tournament.

James Mwale, Athletic’s Kickz project co-ordinator, explained that it was Jamal who approached Latics with the idea of holding the football event.

He said: “It has been great working with Jamal planning the tournament and he has gained good experience.

“He can now continue to benefit his community through being a positive role model and assisting with the Kickz project.

“We are always willing to help develop young leaders within the community and it’s fantastic to see what Jamal is doing.”

Jamal explained: “I am doing this because I have played in tournaments and love my football.

“I thought I would organise a tournament for Kickz to give something back to the community.”

Athletic’s Kickz project kicked-off last year and is based at Coldhurst where it runs four evenings each week and is aimed at encouraging young people in the community to take an active role in voluntary work.