Latics legend to lead charity team

LATICS legend Andy Ritchie will lead a team of former players for a charity football match with a difference.

The Big Game, which kicks-off at Boundary Park on Sunday, has been organised by Oldham Athletic Community Trust and the Oldham Muslim Centre. Human Appeal International is sponsoring the event.

A Latics Select XI will take on a Community XI made up of young Asian footballers.

Colin Moore, Oldham Athletic Community Trust manager, said: “Oldham Athletic is proud to work with the Oldham Muslim Centre.

“We have worked with them previously and their commitment to community cohesion is excellent.

“Hopefully, the game will bridge the gap between Oldham Athletic and the local community. We want to see more players from South Asian heritages make it into football and one day playing at the highest level in the Premier League.”

Afruz Miah, event organiser, added: “We have been in negotiation with Oldham Athletic for almost a year to get this event going.

“I was overjoyed once we finally got the go-ahead.

“I believe the game will bring so much joy to the community and I will urge everyone to come out to the event in large numbers with their friends and families.”

Tickets for the match, which are £3 for adults and £1 for under-16s, can be bought on the day or in advance from the Oldham Muslim Centre.