Ex-England star Platt returns to his Oldham roots to help out his former junior football club

Golazzo Group have today (Tuesday) delivered some much-needed aid to Oldham grass roots football club Boundary Park Juniors.

The company, formed by Chadderton-born former England captain David Platt and grass roots football club chairman Scott Hannah, focuses on helping grass roots sports clubs in various aspects, including provision of kits, footballs, training equipment and more - all items teams cannot always get hold of in one initial hit, because of finances and other issues.

On learning about the plight and potential demise of his former junior team, Platt felt compelled to help ensure the famous old club retains its existence.

Platt said: “I heard informally that Boundary Park Juniors were on the brink of not existing as a club anymore.

"I contacted the club chairman - John Francis - and pledged our support.

"The kit and equipment we are providing have immediately helped the club double the amount of teams it operates, and John has big ideas of growing the club back to the stature it once held.”

Hannah added: "I remember playing against Boundary Park when I was a kid - they were the iconic club of Manchester. I can't ever remember beating them!

"When we found out that the club was having to build itself from scratch, the first thing David and I did was to find out how we could help them scale the heights they have reached before."

BPJ chairman Mr Francis added: “David contacted me and we met.

"Through Golazzo Group we have been able to buy equipment and team-wear at a far better cost than we could have done elsewhere, and Golazzo Group, along with other philanthropic sponsors, have given us a foundation from which we have a clear identity and can build.”

Italia '90 World Cup hero Platt handed over the team wear and equipment to the BPJ players at the Bryan Clarke Academy in Oldham today.

He told the Chronicle: "There's a real identity about the club again now, and other teams who play them are almost like, wow, they look smart!

"Back in my day, Boundary Park Juniors were the team in the area.

"We were in the Worsley League then, and we played our home games at what was Oldham Athletic's training ground at the top of Clayton playing fields (little Wembley).

"We played some great teams in the area, but we always more than held our own.

"Therefore I've got really good memories of those days, and it does give you that platform.

"The other thing, too, is, that now after all these years I have a much greater admiration for my mother and father who stood on the sidelines all those years getting wet through and freezing cold!

"You appreciate what parents and these clubs do for young players, so now at Golazzo, we want to help clubs like Boundary Park Juniors as much as we possibly can." 

After his early days with BPJ between the ages of 12 and 16 and later at Chadderton FC, ex-South Chadderton School pupil Platt began his incredible senior football career as an apprentice at Manchester United, before moving to Crewe Alexandra.

At Gresty Road he began building a reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder.

At the age of 22, he signed for Aston Villa and gained the attention of the England manager Bobby Robson, under whom he soon made his debut.

At the 1990 World Cup, Platt increased his reputation with impressive performances, and by scoring unforgettable goals with his feet and head against Belgium and Cameroon respectively.

His performances in the World Cup earned him a big-money move to Serie A club Bari in 1991.

In 1992, Platt moved to Juventus, where he spent one season, and he continued scoring goals for England, playing in Euro 92 and 96.

In 1993, he moved to Sampdoria where he stayed for two seasons before he returned to England to join Arsenal.

Platt was at the London club for three years, featuring in the Gunners' side that won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998.

He later went on to manage Sampdoria and Nottingham Forest, as well as England's Under-21 team.

He was also a coach with Manchester City, under then-manager and former playing team-mate Roberto Mancini.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.