Oxford United Football Club Academy is pleased to announce a new Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Bicester for the coming season.

Working in conjunction with the Junior Premier League (JPL), the new RTC will be based at the impressive Whitelands Farm 3G pitch and will offer boys aged 12-16 the chance to train with coaches from both the JPL and Oxford United.

Kieran Hayes, the club’s recently appointed Head of Academy Recruitment & Player Development, said:

“This new centre is an exciting addition as the club continues to try and resource the footballing landscape across Oxfordshire. The centre has been set up so players can continue to play and train with their grassroots teams but also receive additional coaching from Academy staff.

“By partnering with Gareth Hamer and the JPL we’re able to ensure that the reach and quality of the centre is as comprehensive as it possibly can be. Bicester is a key focus area for us with approximately 10,000 new houses planned over the next 5 years and so we’re excited to be able to get the badge up into this part of our County.”

Academy Manager Dan Harris also spoke of how this centre fits into the existing club structure:

As an Academy we are really committed to playing our part in bringing all parts of the club closer together under the one badge. Kate Longworth & Chris Lowes in our Community Trust are doing some fantastic work in primary schools across the county. Equally the OUFC Advance programme based at the Oxford Academy School under the guidance of Nathan Broadhurst has really grown over recent years and highlights how committed the club are to supporting this county – this new centre in Bicester is another layer to our provision and will hopefully create an additional pathway for players across Oxfordshire.”

Trials for the new centre will be taking place in July and August – anyone interested in this new centre should email Gareth Hamer on northoxfordshirertc@junior-premier.co.uk – further details can been seen on the attached flyer.