Sports enthusiasts encouraged to sign-up to Advanced Football Programme trials day
School leavers with a passion for sport are being encouraged to register for a trials day at Oxford United’s training ground and learn more about its Advanced Football Programme.
Delivered by Oxford United in the Community – the football club’s official charity – in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College, the programme is designed for male and female students aged 16-19 with ambitions to work in sport.
Twice weekly training sessions at United’s Horspath Road training ground are combined with education towards a sports industry recognised qualification and competitive matches in the National Youth League.
It’s open to students of all playing abilities, with programme modules including coaching, health and wellbeing, psychology and sports development. Students also receive Oxford United training kit for matches and a season ticket.
April’s trials day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, from midday until 3pm during the Easter break and open to anyone interested in learning more about the programme or enrolling at the beginning of the new academic year.
Jackson Elliott-Dunphy has been studying the course since September. The 17-year-old said the programme has helped him realise what he wants from his future, all while developing his football skills.
“I want to play at the highest level I possibly can,” said Jackson. “At the same time, we’re all aware playing professionally is always likely to only ever be a dream.
“That’s why being able to train twice a week and play against other EFL clubs in the National Youth League really appeals to me because I can be the best version of me on the pitch and study hard off it.
“My ambition is to use this qualification to go to university and continue studying sport while playing football. It’s a great programme – I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
Coaching and mentoring are led by Oxford United in the Community’s UEFA accredited coaches Rob Porter, Matt Harding, Rama Said and Alex Blane who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the programme.
The charity’s joint delivery of the Advanced Football Programme fulfils its education and employability pillar by providing opportunities to help young people in Oxfordshire achieve their true potential.
Patrick Duggan from Abingdon is another to have enrolled onto the programme in September.
He said: “Sport is my passion – I’ve always wanted to study and work in sport.
“This programme gives me the best of both worlds, and the coaching team at Oxford United in the Community have been fantastic. They’ve really galvanised the whole group and we’re improving week by week.”
Prospective students interested in registering for Oxford United in the Community’s Advanced Football Programme trials day can do so by clicking here. Those in attendance are asked to wear appropriate clothing, football boots and bring their own water.
