Boundary Park Juniors' resurgence continues with dream league title success

The rebirth and resurgence of famous old Oldham junior football club Boundary Park Juniors is continuing with the under-15s team celebrating being crowned league champions.

Last year the Chronicle reported how Chadderton-born former England captain David Platt and grass roots football club chairman Scott Hannah stepped in to help BPJ after learning about the plight and potential demise of Platt's former junior team.

Now, barely six months on and building on the positivity generated following that huge news for local grassroots football, BPJ's under-15s team have been crowned champions of their division as they remain unbeaten as they enter the final stages of the season.

They have won all 14 of their league games so far this season.

BPJ chairman and coach John Francis said: "We have built on the positivity surrounding the club at the beginning of the season and the championship win couldn't have happened to a more hardworking, humble, and talented young men.

"They deserve all the credit for the dedication they have put into this season. 

"David Platt also congratulated the lads on an "amazing achievement" and that he "is really pleased for all connected to the club". 

"We don't want to rest on our Laurels though.

"We want this to be the start of an amazing journey to bring the club back up to it where it belongs. 

"We are looking for new coaches and players of all ages.

"We believe we can offer the right environment for players to thrive and enjoy their grassroots journey.

"We are also committed to creating Boundary Park Juniors first girls team and would love to be able to so for next season.

"We need the support of the local community and businesses to do this through sponsorship.

"If anyone is able to help that would be fantastic. 

"We are on the lookout for a space to call our home and invest back into the town of Oldham.

"Last year we held a free tournament which benefited over 250 children from Oldham and local areas and we want to be able to do that again and show what a great community club we are."

If you might be in a position to help BPJ, please contact John on 07859 795949 or email him at: boundaryparkjfc@outlook.com

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.