As we celebrate #GMMovingInAction we take a look at Just Play Football in Oldham.
The Just Play Women’s session brings together both Active Through Football Oldham and Oldham Athletic Community Trust to support women into playing football in a non-competitive way. The group plays every Tuesday evening and more recently they have been playing against other community initiatives in friendly matches, this has allowed our ladies to gain confidence in a match environment to move towards more affiliated football. Recently the group have been regionally recognised by the county FA winning the Lioness award at an awards evening.
One participant said, "Joining the women’s recreational sessions gave me the confidence to return to club football after over a decade away. I’d barely kicked a ball since I aged out of U16’s and found open-age too intimidating, but after seeing an advert on Twitter I decided to find my old boots. The ladies at the Latics session were so welcoming and encouraging, that after a few weeks, I was self-assured enough to go for a club trial. I’ve now signed for AFC Oldham and I still play with the Latics girls on a Tuesday evening!"
Holly Grimes reflects on how we break down barriers and empower communities to drive meaningful, lasting change across Greater Manchester.
Wigan has made remarkable strides in expanding its school games opportunities for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The steering group identified issues in the sports offered within PE, gendered PE kits, and a lack of access to fun and free activities.