Oxford United are delighted to welcome eight new scholars for the 2023/24 season.
The eight players reported for their first day yesterday as they embark on a two-year scholarship that involves professional training working alongside Chris Hackett, Pablo Haysham and the rest of the Academy staff, playing matches in the Youth Alliance League and FA Youth Cup, and education with the LFE as part of their busy timetable.
Academy Manager Stevie Kinniburgh told us
“We’re really excited about the next bunch of scholars coming in. A lot of them already have experience playing at this level and they gave an excellent account of themselves.
“They’re all great boys off the pitch as well who embody the qualities we want to promote here at Oxford United. It’s a big step up but with the staff and scholars we have here to guide them, and the quality the new boys possess, we’re sure they’ll excel.
“Last year was a great example of the steps you can make through a scholarship here, with Josh Johnson and Gatlin O’Donkor playing multiple times for the first team. That’ll be incentive for these boys and who knows where they will be after two years in the building full time in a professional atmosphere”.
The Scholars
Aaron Lacey – Aaron is a ball playing centre back who uses his physicality to dominate aerially. Lacey impressed playing up for the U18s last season and scored in the brilliant win against Cambridge United in the Merit League.*
Denis Travin – Denis joins as a scholar after excelling for the U16s last year. The creative centre-midfielder picked up a foot injury at the end of the season and returned in the final weeks. Travin’s technical ability allows him to dominate the middle of the park.
Harrison Bradney – Harrison also stepped up into the U18s last year and had a great spell before sustaining an injury towards the end of the season. The creative attacking midfielder scored a mazy solo goal in the FA Youth Cup against Horndean and has been working had before pre-season at the training ground to come back fit and raring to go.
Harrison Mole – Harrison can play across the back four and was a leader on the pitch for the U16s last season. Mole played plenty of times for the U18s in the Merit League at the back end of last season and puts his body on the line for his team.
Ibrahim Bangurah – Ibrahim joins Oxford United to become a scholar, having played for Southend’s Academy previously. Bangurah is a centre half who excels in one-on-one situations and is capable of creating attacks from the heart of defence.
Kasway Burton – Kasway is another who shone last year whilst playing for the U18s, contributing to plenty of goals from across the front three. His best moment came when he scored a hat-trick in the comeback win against AFC Wimbledon in the Merit League, and also scored in the 4-1 win over rivals Swindon.
Kyron Webb – Kyron plays as a right winger whose fast feet and speed allow him to create from out wide. Webb was a key part of the attack for the U16s last season and featured a number of times for the U18s.
Nathan Bond – Nathan joined us in November time and impressed while on trial with his physicality and determination. He has also had exposure of 18s football this season.
We wish the eight new scholars all the best for the upcoming season.
*Aaron is the player missing from the group picture. Pictures L to R: Kasway Burton, Denis Travin, Ibrahim Bangurah, Nathan Bond, Kyron Webb, Harrison Bradney, Harrison Mole