THE club described its big Community Day as a roaring success.
It attracted the best crowd for a Skolars game since the first year at what was then called Whitebank, 2010, and more than 50 young people signed up for Roary’s Pride at the launch of the new members’ club for junior supporters.
Chairman Chris Hamilton, head coach Scott Naylor and the club’s new management team all gave the day a big thumbs-up, capped off by a thoroughly professional and workmanlike team performance which took Roughyeds to second in Betfred League 1 on the back of a 34-4 win against London Skolars.
Chris said the club was “delighted” with the turn-out of abut 200 children from local schools as part of The Oldham Pledge initiative; the numbers who were involved in flag-bearing and escorting the players down the tunnel and out on to the pitch; and the initial popularity of Roary’s Pride.
It was a big day for Roary himself who, as ever, carried out his duties brilliantly and won over a lot of new young fans.
Sponsored by Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Roary will front the new under-16s club brilliantly and he certainly started as he means to go on, posing for scores of pictures including one with our longest-serving fan, 90-years-old Clarice Stevens and our youngest, baby Edward McGrane, who was there at his second match aged 20 days !
There with his mum Jenny and grandparents Viv and Mike Travis, Edward was kitted out in a specially-designed Roughyeds’ baby suite and became one of the first to be signed up for Roary’s Pride.
Among the hospitality suite party were 14-year-old Bailey Howell, of Co-op Academy Failsworth, who designed the new Roary’s Pride logo. He was there with two guests, including his mum Michelle.
After having his picture taken with man of the match Lee Kershaw and champagne-moment winner Phil Joy, Bailey said:
“We’ve had a great day. I really enjoyed the game. It was my first time but I’m sure it won’t be my last.”
David Murgatroyd, a lifelong fan and management-team member who will run Roary’s Pride with his son Nathan and 19-year-old Sophie Nixon, said the launch surpassed all expectations.
Lots of people, including adults, had their faces adorned with an imprint of Roary’s paw.
Said David:
“What a fantastic launch it was, brilliant ! I would like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a super occasion, especially Sophie and Roary.
“Sophie was absolutely brilliant. She is clearly going to be a very influential part of our Roary’s Pride team.”
Parents, grandparents and other fans please note that young fans under the age of 16 can be signed up anytime. All you have to do is obtain and fill in a membership form with the annual membership fee of £10 and return it to the club.
You will then receive a Roary’s branded string-pull bag which includes goodies, including a Roary-brandad cap, a signed photograph of the lion himself, a wrist band, pencil, water bottle and other items.
Added David: “We signed up 53 members at the game and the next target is 100. We’ve made a great start, but that’s all it is — the start. There’s lots more to come.”
