Awards prove pure gold for youngsters

GOING for gold . . . some of the top award winners with (from left) Latics players Chris Rowney and Ryan Brooke, youth mayor Mohammed Adil, Mayoress Councillor Kay Knox, Mayor Councillor Jim McArdle, Paul Griffiths from Duke of Edinburgh and football project co-ordinator Geoff Hurst

THESE young people have set the gold standard for achievement.

They received prestigious Duke of Edinburgh gold awards at the scheme’s annual presentation evening at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Oldham Athletic’s own rising stars, young midfielder Chris Rowney and teenage striker Ryan Brooke, were among the guests celebrating the achievements of participants who developed new skills and completed volunteering work, physical challenges and a residential course.

The Boundary Park club is helping to deliver the programme in the borough thanks to a partnership between the Duke of Edinburgh Award and The Football League Trust.

A total of 500 young people received gold, silver and bronze awards. Other guests included the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle, and youth mayor Mohammed Adil.

Paul Griffiths, from the scheme, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh Award is held in high regard in Oldham and is in excellent health. Oldham is the fifth biggest place in the North-West for young people participating and the biggest in Greater Manchester. Oldham Athletic coming on board can only raise the profile.”