OLDHAM Rugby League Club have announced they have civic backing for its Junior Takeover Day on Sunday, July 14 when North Wales Crusaders visit the Vestacare Stadium.

That match is vital to the club’s promotion hopes with the second-placed Roughyeds pushing on in their goal to finish top and earn automatic promotion to the Betfred Championship.

Supported by her consort husband Adrian Alexander, a former Oldham RL prop, the Mayor of Oldham Metropolitan Borough, Councillor Ginny Alexander, officially launched the latest initiative for young Oldhamers and said she was proud to do so.

For this game only, young fans can take over as club chairman, PA announcer, hospitality suite hosts, media manager, club photographer, stand transfer attendant, kit manager, match timekeeper, programme sellers, Golden Gamble sellers and car park attendants.

Children from local schools and local community clubs filled several roles at last Sunday’s home game against West Wales Raiders, including those of flag bearers and player escorts.

Junior sections of local community clubs represented were those from Saddleworth Rangers and Oldham St Anne’s, some of whom doubled-up as members of Roary’s Pride, Roughyeds’ new junior supporters’ club.

The schools present were Failworth, Oasis Academy, Mayfield, St Anne’s and Broadfield.

Senior players Jack Spencer, Ben Calland and Kyran Johnson, all out of action due to injury, featured in a half-time challenge with children in which young fans tried to kick a rugby ball and hit the cross bar from 20 metres out.

So far, only one youngster has managed it in several weeks of trying – a Chernobyl child during their visit from Belarus.