The Kids are United

Next week will see youngsters in all age groups within the club’s youth teams offered places and opportunities for next season. Youth Development remains a central part of what the U’s do and has once again produced great results this season.

Canice Carroll, who has been with the club since he was 13, has become part of the first team squad while scholars Malachi Napa, Shandon Baptiste and Manny Agboola have all been offered the chance to sign pro deals after impressing in the youth team.

Meanwhile eight of the under 16 team will make the step up to join the two year scholarship programme: Owen James, Kyran Lofthouse, Aaron McCreadie, Harry McDonnell, Freddie Niblett, Jack Stevens, Ryan Crooks and James Cowan.

Equally, homegrown WSL players have been ever present in Oxford United Women’s Spring campaign with graduates Demi Lambourne, Riva Casley, Ella Franklin-Fraiture, Charlie Deeley and Ellie Noble ever present in the first team line-up.

Les Taylor, Academy Manager said:

“It has been an excellent year for all the age groups and we’d like to thank all the coaches and volunteers who have made that possible. There are some really exciting players in all of our age group teams and they have all worked really hard this season.

“Next season will be just as exciting I’m sure. We will be speaking to the players and parents over the next week or so, just outlining what we are looking for next season and then they get a short summer break before coming back ready to go again.”

Chairman Daryl Eales said:

“We are very proud of the Youth Development programme and it remains a core part of our plans for the future. Fans love to see local players in the first team and that applies to Michael Appleton’s side and to Andy Cook’s WSL team .

“I think I used the word sacrosanct to describe it earlier this year and that definitely applies. Helping to develop the best young local talent is at the very heart of Oxford United and we remain committed to building and developing that side of the club.”