Businessman secures future of youth project

A CHADDERTON business owner has given money to secure the future of a popular Latics youth project.

Martin Thomas, who owns the vehicle-leasing firm Optima Cars and is a long-term Latics season ticket-holder, is supporting the Oldham Athletic Community Trust “Kicks” project in Stoneleigh Park.

The park sessions were started last summer to reduce antisocial behaviour in the area.

Martin said: “I am proud to have gone to Stoneleigh as my first school. It’s great to be able to help out in a small way and give the local kids a chance to enjoy the park along with Latics — it just seems a great fit.”

The free sessions — run by the FOSP team and OACT coaches Kyle Riley and Dale Harris — attract young people aged four to 16 with activities such as football, pool and arts and crafts.