Oldham Says

A Royton schoolgirl is urging teenagers to get involved in Go! Oldham activities after it led to her being headhunted by Manchester United talent scouts.

Cara Fields, 14, was first spotted at a football competition that was arranged by Oldham Council’s Integrated Youth Service.  

The Royton and Crompton pupil now trains with the Red Devils’ under-16 girls’ squad twice a week at their Centre of Excellence and plays in matches every Saturday.  

Cara said: “I am now playing my second season with Manchester United.”  

“We play matches all over the country and take part in a training regime. It’s quite difficult and we have to keep a record of our training and nutrition.  

“If it wasn’t for Go! Oldham, I wouldn’t have known about all of this and wouldn’t have been able to get involved.”  

Cara, a central midfield player, believes more young people should get involved in Go! Oldham youth activities and make the most of the range of exciting opportunities on their doorsteps.  

“If all these activities weren’t arranged for young people in the Borough I think they would be getting into trouble and getting involved in things they shouldn’t,” she said.  

“The activities give you a chance to mix with people that you wouldn’t normally spend time with, gain more confidence and learn lots of different skills.”  

Go! Oldham is an online ‘What’s On’ guide for young people age 20 and under across the Borough and is currently showcasing activities for Go! Winter, which offers fun events to keep busy during this month’s half-term holiday.  

The website at www.gooldham.com currently features more than 1,000 local activities – including those on offer from the Coliseum Theatre, Oldham Athletic, Oldham Community Leisure and Gallery Oldham. From skateboarding and teen gyms to drumming and DJing, there are pursuits on offer for all ages and interests.  

Cara’s mum, Mary, believes parents also have a role to play in encouraging children to get involved.  

“I think Cara’s life would have gone down a very different route had she not got involved with Oldham’s Integrated Youth Service,” she said.  

“A lot of people her age are going out at weekends and acting a lot older than they are. If they get involved in a hobby or sport, this helps them to avoid going down the wrong path.”  

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet Member for Citizens and Neighbourhoods, said: “Cara’s story is an inspiration and one which shows that Go! Oldham can also be a passport to finding a route into something that young people excel in.”  

“I would urge youngsters and parents alike to take the time to visit the website. It could be the start of an exciting journey – and there is literally something on offer for everyone.”  

Visit www.gooldham.com to find out more. You can also follow Go! Oldham on twitter at @gooldham And sign up to our Go! Oldham Facebook group.