Sunday football is around the corner

Geoff Howard

AMATEUR football in Oldham awakens from its summer slumber in a few days, with most sides gearing up for the 2016-17 campaign with the arrival of pre-season training.

Many eyes will be focused on just how Heyside, one of the Manchester League's newest additions, will fare having stepped up from the Huddersfield and District League.

Heyside manager Geoff Howard said: "We have the same squad of players as last season and I am hoping to add a few more names in the coming weeks.

PRESSING

"Some of our under-19s players will be pressing for first team places and that can only be good for us going forward."

Heyside will be joined in Division One by Hollinwood and relegated Uppermill, both of whom will be aiming to put the trauma of last season firmly behind them

First Division fixtures have not yet been released, but Royton Town of the Premier Division begin their campaign with a home clash against Old Alts on August 6. Springhead also start at home with a visit from Wythenshawe Amateurs, while Avro travel to play Rochdale Town.

A full preview of the amateur football season will be in the Chronicle next month.

Meanwhile, the Oldham Sunday League, which kicks off its season in September, is now welcoming applications from new teams for the 2016-17 season.

Whether you are a new or established club, then the league would like to hear from you.

WELL-RUN

The OSL is a strong and well-run league that suits players of all levels and, no matter what the standard, newcomers are urged to apply.

The league claims to be one of the cheapest in the Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire areas as the management committee keeps costs to a minimum and invests back into the league.

If you are interested in joining the competition, call Val Broadbent in the first instance on 01457 870575 or 07917 572117, or e-mail: valbroadbent@talktalk.net as soon as possible

Alternatively, contact Steve Diggle on 01706 845418 or 07718 703733 or e-mail: ste@shawathletic.co.uk.