FOOTBALL: Oxford City hope to reap rewards (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Oxford City hope to reap rewards

10:30am Wednesday 6th June 2012 in Evo-Stick Southern Premier Table & Results

OXFORD City hope they can continue to reap the rewards of a scheme offering footballers the chance to gain professional experience, top-level coaching and sport qualifications.

Trials for the course are being staged in the city this month.

The Oxford Sports Partnership, which runs in conjunction with Oxford & Cherwell Valley College and the Premier Sports Group, offers one or two-year educational and football courses to 16-19-year-olds. The scheme is fully funded and there is no cost to join.

The trials, on Thursday, June 14 (6-8pm), Thursday, June 28 (6-8pm) and a goalkeeper trial on Saturday, June 23 (10am to noon), will be held at Court Place Farm.

Students can play for Oxford City in the Football Conference Youth League and/or Oxford & Cherwell Valley College in the English Colleges League.

City boss Mike Ford said the course had enabled students to develop as players and get some valuable qualifications as well as helping the club find players of the future – with 12 players on the scheme featuring for the senior last season.

Ford said: “We are not talking about ex-students here, we are talking about lads that are on the scheme, people like Felipe Barcelos, Albi Skendi, Kynan Isaac and Zac McEachran.

“The players have developed with Oxford City Nomads and have forced their way through to the first team.

“For a club like ours, that can’t splash out alot of money on players, it’s the only way forward.”

To register for a trial or for more details call either Craig Adey or Ford on 01865 744454, email cadey@ocvc.ac.uk Alternatively visit oxfordcityfc.co.uk or ocvc.ac.uk