The stars of rugby league's future are showcasing their talents at Oldham's Netpar Training Centre this month, with the sport's power to inspire again in evidence with a huge turnout for the region's schools finals.
Last week saw 90 talented Year 9 players across seven schools compete at the Roughyeds' regenerated Melrose base, with Saddleworth School coming out on top watched by over 100 family and teachers.
Thsi week will see the climax of the Year 8 finals today (Wednesday), with the best of Year 7 competing at the Netpar Training Centre the following week, May 19.
"It's fantastic to see so many Year 9 students from across the Oldham borough competing in these rugby league finals at Melrose, Netpar Training Centre in Chadderton," said Chris Chamberlain, CEO at Oldham RLFC 1876 Foundation.
"This event showcases the strong passion for rugby league in our community and ORLFC 1876 Foundation's commitment to providing opportunities for young people to engage in healthy, active competition using the power of rugby league to engage and inspire.
"We thank the players, parents, volunteers, teachers and Oldham Schools Sports Partnership for making it a success."
Schools including Royton and Crompton, Newman, Saddleworth, Brian Clarke Academy and The Blue Coat School competed in the Year 9 event, including players new to rugby league who will now be signposted to Oldham's local community clubs.
All players competing received a free match ticket for Oldham's Championship clash with Toulouse at Boundary Park on Saturday.
