Oldham Athletic

Image source, EFL

Puma's Rainbow ball will return to the English Football League as part of an on-going campaign against discrimination and homophobia.

The special edition rainbow ball was introduced in 2024 to mark LGBTQ+ History Month and will be used at every EFL game from 20 February until 1 March.

Manufacturers Puma will make a donation to Football v Homophobia for every goal scored with their rainbow ball across the Championship, League One and League Two.

The donations will help support education against homophobia and promote inclusion across the season.

The EFL have released a video, external to coincide with the campaign which features a Preston North End fan who was charged with a hate crime following homophobic chanting during an FA Cup fixture against Chelsea.

The rainbow ball will also feature in EFL partner EA Sports' FC 26 video game.

"The rainbow ball is a powerful symbol of the values we uphold across the EFL all season long," EFL chief executive officer Trevor Birch said.

"It not only reflects our longstanding commitment to ensuring the League is representative of all its diverse communities, but also reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating an environment in which everyone feels they truly belong."

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Halifax Town have re-signed Oldham forward Billy Waters on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old joins the Shaymen for a third spell after spending the 2021-22 season and part of 2024-25 with the club.

Waters has made just two appearances this season, one for the Latics and one during a loan spell with Altrincham.

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Halifax have signed Oldham winger Kieron Morris on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old joined the Latics from Tranmere in the summer but has not featured since a 6-2 defeat by Bolton in the EFL Trophy on 11 November.

He went straight into the Shaymen's side for their National League Cup game against Tamworth on Tuesday.

Image source, Rex Features

National League side Brackley Town have signed Oldham Athletic forward Kian Harratt on loan until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has scored 16 goals from a total of 106 appearances in the English Football League and National League - although only 32 of those have been starts.

Saints boss Gavin Cowan told the club website, external he was a long-time admirer of Harratt, who scored the winning goal for the Latics in their National League promotion final against Southend United in June 2025.

"Kian suits our style and will undoubtedly bring a real high level of quality to the team," Cowan added. "We're really excited to have him."

Harratt started his career at Huddersfield Town and has spent time on loan with Harrogate, Guiseley, Port Vale, Bradford City and Fleetwood Town. He joined League Two Oldham from Fleetwood in March 2025.

Image source, EFL

A new initiative highlighting the work of football club charities has been launched by the English Football League (EFL).

'Scan to Smile' will be rolled out in stadiums across the EFL from Friday until the end of January, with supporters invited to scan QR codes on posters displayed around grounds.

Each scan will unlock a short, uplifting story from a person whose life has been positively impacted by the support of their local club charity.

The subjects tackled include mental health support, combating loneliness, improving physical wellbeing, employability and confidence.

The EFL said it hoped the initiative would use "the reach and influence of football to offer fans a moment of positivity on matchday".

Trevor Birch, chief executive at the EFL, said: "Behind every club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL club charity.

"This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact first-hand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good."

Image source, Getty Images

Solihull Moors have signed Will Sutton from Oldham on loan until the end of the current season.

The 23-year-old central defender has made more than 50 first-team appearances for Oldham since making his debut in 2021.

He also brings experience gained in loan spells with Witton Albion and Farsley Celtic to Moors, who currently sit 10th in the National League.