Outta Skool making a big difference in Oldham

Oldham-based voluntary community organization Outta Skool has had plenty to shout about in recent weeks.

Based across three sites at the OBA Millennium Centre, the Honeywell Centre and the LGA Studio, Outta Skool has secured two blocks of much-needed funding, while the attached Taekwondo Club won silver medals at a recent national championships.

The Oldham Taekwondo Club team finished second in the national championships in London.

With support from Outta Skool, the LGA Horizon Taekwondo Club was set up three years ago to create opportunities for disadvantaged young people to take part in an Olympic sport.

The success of the club is based on the non-profit approach where it offers five classes per week, working out at just over a £1 per session.

Moinul Islam, Founder and Volunteer Projects Manager for Outta Skool, said: “On behalf of Outta Skool’s management committee, I would like to congratulate the players, the coach and most importantly the parents for this phenomenal achievement.

“The regular training and the support has paid off.

“We have created champions out of disadvantaged young people who would not have had this opportunity otherwise.”

Meanwhile, Outta Skool has secured funding from BBC Children in Need thanks to its “Let’s Get Active” programme, which has been running for four years.

Also, Outta Skool has won National Lottery funding from Sport England.

The non-profit community organisation has been awarded £197,300 funding as part of Sport England’s strategy to improve people’s health and mental wellbeing through sport and activity.

Outta Skool was founded in 2005 as a voluntary community organization, by like-minded colleagues working in a school environment who saw a need for the service.

As the projects grew bigger, Outta Skool went on to set up as a social enterprise in March 2009.  Outta Skool is run by a very dedicated team of volunteers who believe in making a difference in the community.

Outta Skool work with young people and adults to encourage a healthier lifestyle through sports, dance and fitness activities engaging hard to reach members of the community. 

There are currently several projects running from OBA Millennium Centre, Honeywell Centre and the  LGA Studio.

Outta Skool’s aim is to create opportunities for young people and adults to try new activities, excel in their chosen sport or take it up as a hobby, and at the same time eliminate the major barrier that stops people - the cost.

---

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.