Oldham College has returned to competitive inter-college sport for the first time in around seven years, with four teams representing it in Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport competitions during the 2026/27 season.

AoC Sport runs leagues, cups and tournaments for further education colleges. Oldham College's sides will play against colleges from across the North West, and some of its student athletes are set to trial for England Colleges teams in football and netball.

The college has entered men's football, women's nine-a-side football and men's basketball, along with a pan-disability football team run in partnership with Chadderton FC. Students from a range of courses and departments are involved.

The move follows the college's accreditation earlier this year as a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) Dual Career Accredited Site. TASS is backed by Sport England and is part of the SportsAid family, and it supports talented athletes in balancing education with training and competition. At Oldham College that includes flexibility around studies, strength and conditioning sessions, lifestyle support and rehabilitation guidance alongside advice from a physiotherapist or doctor.

The season began on 23rd September, when the men's football team beat Wigan & Leigh College Thirds 6-3. Marvelous Obasohan and Matthew Nelson scored twice each, with Yakin Badru and Toby Agbalaya also finding the net.

Nelson said: "It's a really good experience. I enjoy playing competitively against other colleges and representing my college.

"It's also nice being part of a team, meeting new people and improving my football ability at the same time.

"By the end of the season, I want us to have won the league and the cup."

Rikki Paylor, a director at Oldham College, said staff were pleased to see the college competing in the AoC Sport leagues again. Returning to the competitions, Paylor said, builds on the TASS accreditation by giving more students the chance to compete and represent the college.

Paylor added: "It's also about the wider student experience. Being part of a team can build confidence, communication and leadership skills, support wellbeing and help students make connections outside the classroom."

Regional tournaments are also on the calendar. Men's, women's and pan-disability football fixtures take place at University of Lancashire Sports Arena on 19th November, and the men's basketball team competes at Manchester Metropolitan University on 27th November. The season runs until April 2027.