Oldham’s in the premier league!

Mother and daughter yoga session

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OLDHAM is top of the league for sports activities for youngsters.

It has been named as the best in the UK for sports opportunities and development in schools, clubs and the community.

The council’s youth services scored 97 per cent — an an excellent rating — in an inspection by Quest, the UK quality scheme for sport and leisure.

They praised the passion of staff, extensive services covering all areas of sport, the development of new ideas, management and marketing.

Schemes highlighted included Go! Oldham, a year-long programme of activities. Last year’s Passport to Summer scheme of 1,200 events also which cut reports of anti-social behaviour by 27 per cent.

Delighted Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “We are committed to encouraging our youngsters to stay fit and healthy and that is why we provide such a varied range of sporting and social activities both in and out of school time.”


CHILD power has resulted in a packed programme of more than 30 weeks of free fitness activities in Saddleworth.

Everything from boxercise to cheerleading is on the timetable at Uppermill Leisure Centre, thanks to pupils from four schools.

Representatives from Holy Trinity, Dobcross, Christ Church, Denshaw, and Delph and Diggle primaries took control of some of this year’s budget.

They decided what community activities they wanted during a Dragons Den-style showdown at Oldham Civic Centre.

The programme, scheduled to run until January, started with a mother and daughter yoga session last weekend at the Station Road leisure centre.

Oldham Theatre Workshop, Oldham Community Health, Try-cycles and Outta Skool are just some of the other organisations that are providing activities ranging from health projects to bike maintenance.

For a timetable of sessions contact Oldham Community Leisure on 0161-621 3270 or call in at Uppermill Leisure Centre.