Gifted sports students put to the test

Hold it there! From left, Anthony Barlow, Oldham Athletic project co-ordinator, Felicity Greenwood (Radclyffe School), Daryl Burgess (Royton and Crompton School), Chloe Shenton (Radclyffe School), Jessica Hilton (New Bridge School), Sophie Montgomery (Our Lady’s School, Royton) and Vicky Dean, partnership development manager for Failsworth School Sport Partnership

SOME of Oldham’s gifted and talented sports students gathered for a day of training and competition in the first of a series of “Gold Factor” days.

Around 200 year eight students from 11 Oldham schools took part in the event, at The Radclyffe School, Chadderton.

The aim was to encourage youngsters in with a chance of going for gold in national and international sporting events.

They took part in athletics coaching and testing, and futsal coaching (a variant of five-a-side soccer) and other games.

Vicky Dean, partnership development manager for Failsworth School Sport Partnership, said: “These gifted and talented students could be our future Olympians. They may not make 2012, but they could make 2016.

“It was a brilliant day, everyone enjoyed it, and we are looking to hold similar events during the spring and summer terms.”

The event was organised in partnership between Oldham Council, Oldham Community Leisure, Failsworth School Sport Partnership and Oldham Athletic Community Trust.