OXFORD United's official charity is again giving youngsters the chance to play football the Brazilian way.

Oxford United in the Community (OUITC) is delivering futsal courses for boys and girls aged five to 12 at The Oxford Academy every Wednesday, starting tonight, for the next three months.

Futsal is like football but played on a five-a-side indoor pitch, with a smaller, heavier ball that does not bounce.

Imported from Brazil, the sport helps children develop their control and build confidence on the ball.

Chris Lowes, head of Oxford United in the Community, said: “Most Brazilian footballers grew up playing Futsal and have spoken highly of its benefits. Locally we launched our own Futsal programme in January and witnessed the positive impact on youngsters first-hand.

"We are pleased to now be able to roll our Futsal sessions out across three months to provide wider opportunity for more youngsters to benefit from this educational programme.

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“Our futsal programmes are designed to encourage young children to lead active, healthy lifestyles from an early age.

"Futsal is an ideal way for children to learn basic football skills in a very child-friendly environment that is nurturing and creative.”

All sessions are run by the charity's fully-qualified coaches, who also deliver programmes in nursery and primary schools across Oxfordshire to help improve health and wellbeing in young people.

All futsal courses start at 5.30pm and cost £65 per child.

To sign up, visit officialsoccerschools.co.uk/oxfordunited/