Jobless are invited to scrum on down

Give it a try . . . say Chuka Umunna, Chris Hamilton and Debbie Abrahams

OLDHAM Rugby Club has set up a community project for jobless young people in Hollinwood.

“Give us a try!”, launched yesterday, offers work experience and volunteer opportunities to those without a job or training.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth; Chuka Umunna, shadow secretary of state for business and Jim McMahon, Oldham Council leader have all backed the project.

Mr Umunna said: “This scheme demonstrates the positive difference businesses can make in their local communities.”

The club will offer office work and ground and building maintenance work, at its Whitebank Stadium, and match-day work at Whitebank on a work experience or volunteer basis.

Club chairman Chris Hamilton, who sits on the Failsworth and Hollinwood Economic Prosperity Working Group, said: “As a professional sports club based in that area I felt we were in a unique position to enthuse those people who maybe lacked opportunities. “Uur scheme is perfect in terms of the variety and type of work it offers.”

Mrs Abrahams said: “It is extremely encouraging to see this type of initiative on our doorstep in Oldham.”


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