Netball is a key part of the groundbreaking ‘SportsTown’ development which will bring state-of-the-art sports facilities to Greater Manchester with the development of Oldham’s Boundary Park.

 

New courts and the opportunity to combine learning and sport with training, apprenticeships and even potentially netball-specific qualifications are part of the plans which have been unveiled this week in an innovative partnership between Oldham Council, Boundary Park's owner Frank Rothwell, Oldham Athletic AFC, Oldham Rugby League Football Club and Oldham Netball Club.

 

There will be an immediate £5 million cash boost from the Government’s Community Regeneration Fund and the long-term plans include a 3,000 seat netball stadium to meet the demand for a facility of that size in the north west of England.

 

Debbie Hallas, senior head coach of Oldham Netball Club, director & co-owner of Manchester Thunder and owner of leading retailer Netball UK, said:

 

“I am so excited that netball is an integral part of the SportsTown plans. Being a partner in this project means we can ensure the plans progress in a way that develops our sport and continues the north west’s pedigree as the place where netballers are nurtured and developed to be the leading players of the future. But SportsTown is about much more than training and playing, it’s about equipping individuals for the future with education and skills and, potentially, a netball-specific qualification allowing young people to embrace their passion and build a future using it.”

 

Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: 

 

"SportsTown is another example of the power of collaboration and our shared ambitions to create opportunities for our residents. This exciting development will inspire Oldhamers to aim high and achieve their full potential. It creates real educational and career opportunities in sports, health and related fields for our residents while giving our local economy a welcome boost. This is just the start for SportsTown which builds on Oldham's sporting history and shows how we will maximise every opportunity for the next generation, ensuring our communities can grow and lead healthier, happier lives."

 

Frank Rothwell, owner of Boundary Park and chairman of Oldham Athletic AFC, said: 

 

“Oldham has always punched above its weight in sport, and we’re not stopping now!

 

“This funding is going to set things in motion for something truly game-changing. We’re not here to mess about - we’re here to build a legacy, give young people real opportunities, and put Oldham on the map for sport, health, and education. This is just the beginning, and trust me, we’re going to make it happen!”

 

Darren Royle, chief executive of Oldham Athletic AFC, said:

 

“SportsTown provides an innovative response to the Oldham Economic Review Board and Oldham Economic and Skills Strategy findings. By harnessing the power of sport, health, wellness, business and education we are moving forwards by creating a unique Further and Higher Education opportunity for the young people of Greater Manchester and beyond. The four main sports pathways of football, rugby, netball and cricket will be followed by more opportunities for the Town of Oldham working in tandem with our strategic partners.”