Ready for the weekend

ACTIVE...Councillor Barbara Beeley (left) and anti social behaviour officer Charlotte Rees launch the youth zone at Saddleworth Sports Centre.

FROM football to street cheer — Saddleworth youngsters will be kept busy and active on Friday nights.

The youth service, Oldham Community Leisure, Oldham Athletic Community Trust and Saddleworth Neighbourhood Policing Team will deliver Saddle-worth Youth Only Zone.

Sessions will run on Fridays for 12 weeks at Saddleworth Sports Centre from 6.30-8.30pm.

There will be football and multi-sports on the Astroturf and street cheer in the dance studio.

The free sessions, which have been funded by Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, are aimed at 13 to 19-year-olds.

The multi-agency model of working has been developed throughout the borough and has been highly successful in engaging young people into positive activities on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Cllr Barbara Beeley, Chair of Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, said: “The Partnership gives its full backing to these sessions.

“The Sports Centre is a good arena for these activities and we hope our youngsters get the best out of them.”

Councillor Kay Knox, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “The council and our partner agencies are delighted we can offer youngsters something to do on a Friday night.

“The activities on offer are not only fun but encourage youngsters to stay fit and get active.”