An Oldham football club that seeks to tackle mental health issues is kicking off the new year and its fourth birthday in style with a new kit.

Mental Health Football (MHF) Oldham was established in 2019 by first team managers Ross Elliott and Andy Steel, who both volunteer at AFC Oldham, with a view to improve people's mental health through physical activity and peer support in a "friendly, easy-going atmosphere".

Last month, the group announced it had welcomed its first-ever sponsored kit with the mental health charity, Samaritans.

On Saturday, January 7, the club put the new kit to the test and held its first official friendly of the year in accordance with its fourth birthday.

AFC Oldham chairman, Dale Harris, said: "Four years ago, Ross Elliot and Andy Steel, as then coaches at AFC Oldham, went above and beyond their roles to try and make a difference.

"Make a difference where many services, professionals and the government were failing to do so.

"And so the birth of MHF took place."

The chairman said the duo's volunteer work over the past four years to "such an impactful initiative is incredible".

He added: "To grow the session to having on average 30+ attendees weekly is something to be proud of.

"The positive impact not only on them but their families too is something we are all very grateful for."

Mr Harris further praised Ross and Andy for providing support through conversations and checking in with participants "on and off the pitch". 

MHF Oldham invites players of all abilities and gender to come and participate in a commitment-free friendly game every Friday from 7pm at the Hathershaw College pitch.