Latics will boost disabled in sport

A PIONEERING programme to get more disabled Oldhamers into sport will kick off at Latics.

Oldham Athletic Community Trust has teamed up with the Football League Trust and Manchester FA to deliver Every Player Counts — a three-year programme to develop opportunities for people with all types of disability.

The New Football Pools will present Latics with a cheque for £60,000 at their home game against Yeovil Town on Saturday.

This will fund a full-time disability officer who will deliver training sessions to increase awareness and interest of disability football and support current disability supporters liaison officer Ron Cassidy.

The aim is also to increase participation and improve health, fitness and opportunities for disabled people to get involved in the game as a player, coach or spectator.

Oldham Athletic is one of 36 Football League Community Schemes taking part in Every Player Counts — the first programme of its kind this season.

Jon Sheehy, marketing director of The New Football Pools said: “We are fortunate to be in the unique position of supporting the nation’s biggest sport through our Pools products.

“In fact, the company has invested over £1.1billion into football and other good causes throughout its history, with £530 million going specifically into British football.

“While in the past we have invested in infrastructure and bricks and mortar, now we are heavily focused on community programmes and the many social aspects in and around football.

“We are delighted to build on this legacy and support Oldham Athletic in this fantastic new initiative — Every Player Counts — ensuring The New Football Pools is even closer to the game that we have supported over the decades.”

Alan Hardy, chief executive of Oldham Athletic and chairman of trustees for Oldham Athletic Community Trust, said: “Once again I am delighted that the club and the trust will be at the forefront, delivering a project that will see us engage more of our local community and make a positive contribution to the lives of people in Oldham.”