Children in Oldham’s Derker area can now enjoy free weekly football sessions thanks to a new partnership between First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT). The year-long after-school programme, funded by a £5,000 grant from FCHO, aims to provide structured activities for local youngsters aged 9 to 12.

The sessions take place every Monday from 4pm to 5.30pm at Mayfield Primary School, with 30 places available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children simply need to turn up at the Waverley Street entrance to take part.

This initiative comes in the wake of the Operation Vulcan crime crackdown in Derker, led by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Following the intensive ‘clear’ phase of the operation, GMP has now stepped back to focus on the ‘hold’ and ‘build’ elements. This shift identified a gap in youth engagement and good-quality provision, which FCHO has stepped in to fill.

“This is an important programme that promotes wellbeing and physical activity in a structured and fun way,” said Martin Vose, head of community at OACT. “It will also be positive for the community and build social cohesion following Operation Vulcan while making sure our youngsters have a great time. Many thanks to FCHO for funding the sessions. We are grateful for this partnership. Thanks also to Mayfield Primary School who has allowed us to use their pitch for free.”

Naomi Martin Smith, stronger communities manager at FCHO, added: “FCHO is committed to helping our communities thrive and these sessions are a good use of funding in a great partnership with OACT at a crucial time for Derker. We have been a partner in Operation Vulcan and the good work GMP has achieved needs to continue with initiatives like this. Without structured activities, there is an increased risk of anti-social behaviour, but we can meet this head on with safe, positive opportunities for young people.”

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Julien from GMP’s Operation Vulcan team highlighted the long-term benefits. “The long-term sustainability of the Operation Vulcan partnership relies on initiatives such as the free weekly football sessions for children in Derker,” he said. “By offering activities and events, we can help engage with young people and provide them with structure, exercise, and more, while promoting cohesion and reducing anti-social behaviour. Officers are still robustly engaging with the community through both engagement and enforcement work, and they will continue to do so to help the people of Derker in the months and years to come.”

The football sessions are designed to provide a safe and positive outlet for young people in Derker, helping to deter issues like anti-social behaviour and promote community cohesion. With Operation Vulcan transitioning to its hold and build phases, this programme represents a key step in sustaining the progress made in the area. For parents and guardians, the sessions offer a worry-free opportunity for children to engage in physical activity and socialise with peers, with no cost involved.

This partnership between a local housing association and a community trust underscores the power of collaboration in supporting Oldham’s neighbourhoods, ensuring that young residents have access to meaningful activities that benefit their health and the wider community.