Latics may be struggling on the pitch but they have scored off it with their work for families and the community.

The club is one of 37 nationwide to have been awarded ‘The Football League Family Excellence Award’ for 2010 – the second year in a row Latics have won it.

The award recognises the experience the club provides for young fans and families. 

It is based on an independent assessment of the family experience at all 72 League clubs, commissioned by the Football League, during the 2009/10 season using ‘mystery shopper’ families.

Latics chief executive Alan Hardy said: "Picking up this award for the second year running  is fantastic news for the club and it is testament to all the hard work put in by all our staff.

"It shows just how much we value the support of all the families that come to Boundary Park. We will be going for our hat-trick next year."

Athl;etic have also been shortlisted for the ‘Community Club of the Year’ award at the 2010 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players.

They are the only Northern club on the seven-strong shortlist which also features Brighton and Hove Albion, Colchester United, Queens Park Rangers, Southampton, Southend United and Watford.

Mr Hardy added: "Oldham Athletic is at the heart of the community.

"Our community trust team, headed by Colin Moore, deserve special mention for all the diversified work they carry out in the borough.

"A lot of organisations and individuals have benefited from the work that our community team has carried out and, over the next few years, we expect to see our work in the community increase even more."

The winners are set to be announced at a gala ceremony at Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London on Sunday, March 14.