Oldham Club aims to not just be about affection for a brotherhood of the same fraternity, but for love and charity of humanity. As old boys progress into adulthood, charity extends beyond sporting fellowship into doing the greater good.

A growing group of old boys have found a way to pursue their love for both the school they cherish and their sporting passions by forming a team sports club, formerly loosely under the auspices of the ACS OBA. Says Oldham Club president Cheo Chai Hong, "Our boys already have a strong bond while in ACS. The spirit that is fostered in school teams, the compelling need to do something right or make sacrifices for the greater good (the school), and ultimately succeeding or failing together, such are bonds that cannot and should not be broken." Indeed, for many old boys, leaving school and the onset of adulthood does not diminish this drive, but in fact enhances their ambition and ability to put any talents to good use.

Senior committee member Tang Kee Fei is passionate about rugby. The primary school rugby advocate believes, "ACS has taught us all to be unselfish. At Oldham Club, we believe that the combination of the pursuit of team sports and charitable causes creates an ideal platform for goodwill. One aspect enhances the other - the strength of team spirit brings out the best in an individual and working for good causes helps us bond better as a team.".

Sporting activities are now centered around rugby, though plans are afoot to include other favourites of old boys such as water-polo and badminton. For now, our old boys have been doing decently well in rugby tournaments in Singapore against the likes of club teams such as the Saint Andrews Old Boys, Wanderers (mostly old Rafflesians) and Singapore Cricket Club. Training and competition continue to be an important area of focus for the Club and one that requires considerabole effort in time, resources and finances.

Twice-weekly training takes place under the guidance of volunteer coaches Adrian Chong and Melvin Deng. Though sporting achievements are important, the Club believes it has a wider role to play. Indeed, the sporting spirit does create friendship, solidarity and above all engenders an inspiration for youth. Says team steward Woon Kee Yong, "Through kindness, love and to the best of our personal abilities, Oldham Club will foster goodwill, understanding and respect among members of the community. We are both players and volunteers. For many, particularly the younger members of the Club, it will be their first foray into the world of charitable giving and it is, we hope the start of an important and fulfilling aspect of their lives."

Charitable events: To that end, the Club plans to conduct four major charitable events a year. They will work under the auspices of the ACS OBA, MCYS or the Methodist Church in Singapore in such events as seaside outings, visits to the underprivileged, fellowshipl, befriending and caregiving to the elderly and sick, organised events with foster parents and children, and food purchase and delivery services to the needy.

Currently, Oldham Club leads junior rugby training at ACS (Primary), conducts semi-annual camps for kids and  intensive tuition for boys needing to catch up with their schoolwork. Says Woon, "Our aim is to give back to the community and the school that has given so much to us and taught us to be who we are."

To us this must be, in essence, the embodiment of the ACS spirit!

Leslie Koh (ACS Class of 1984)

NOTE: If you are interested in learning more about Oldham Club,
please contact acs_rugby@mac.com and we will be happy to assist!