Five youngsters get their opportunity
There will be more new faces at Oxford United for the coming season with five very exciting young players being given the chance to become Scholars with the U's.
The two year scholarship sees the 16-year-olds training each day and playing games in Chris Allen's successful youth side as well as completing their education. It is the system that has seen Max Crocombe, Ty Marsh, Callum O'Dowda, David Lynn and Sam Long earn professional deals and the five new scholars are:
Freddie Grant - a left-back or midfielder from Tilehurst who has been with the club since the under 15 age group
Muctaru Conte - a left sided forward, previously with Birmingham City and originally from Sierra Leone. Muctaru impressed as a trialist in the second half of last season.
Adriel George - known universally as AJ, a central midfielder who comes from Marston
Eddie Cavanagh - A goalkeeper, born in Oxford, who joined as an under 13.
Robbie Cundy - another Oxford born player who joined the under 16s after a spell at Aston Villa. Robbie is a centre-half.
The five new faces will join Josh Hill, Marvin Ekpiteta, Josh Ashby, Sam Humphreys, Duran Martin, James Clarke, Connor Ingram, Greg Hackett, Aiden Hawtin and James Roberts as Scholars next season.
Coach Chris Allen said:
"All of the new lads have played for the youth side already so they know the high standards that they need to maintain if they want to follow the others into the first team squad. They have a wonderful opportunity ahead of them but make no mistake they will have to work very hard and be fully committed.
"They will be back in a week or so's time and we are really looking forward to working with them and helping them develop their game."