Step by Step…
The Easter break has seen a real acceleration in progress across the Academy as we continue to make strides both in producing players and supporting the local football landscape.
It was fantastic to see over 70 Under 7’s taking part in our inaugural Easter Champions League tournament hosted at the first team training ground this week.
Teams from our own pre-Academy and Elite Development Centres were joined by a number of local sides for an afternoon of tournament football that culminated in the OUFC Development centre winning the Plate Tournament and Berinsfield FC coming out on top in the Champions League final. Thanks go to all the parents, staff and players who supported the tournament and particularly our Foundation Lead Phase coach, Jonny Edmunds, for his hard work pulling the event together.
Moving from our youngest Academy players to our oldest, it was great to see our U18’s side compete in a national final last week at Grenoble Road in front of almost 700 people. Whilst we are hugely disappointed to have lost the game on penalties, it was encouraging to see our lads represent the Oxford United badge, on a bigger stage, in front of both our new owner, Tiger and the entire first team management staff – thanks go to all that made the effort to come and support our scholars & young pros and to all the stadium staff for facilitating the day’s proceedings.
As we continue to make changes to our staffing, structure and processes, I’d like to put on record my thanks to both Mick Lewin and Darryl Cribbin who have left their respective coaching and scouting roles in the Academy setup over the last couple of weeks. Both men have worked hard for the club over a number of years and we wish them both every success in their future endeavours.
In finishing I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Ray Wilkins who sadly passed away this week. As an academy we work hard on a daily basis to try and “invest in the lives of young footballers” and part of this is helping our young lads to understand the importance of making every day count. The deepest sympathy of all in the OUFC Academy goes out to all of Ray’s family and friends.
For more information on life in the Academy here at Oxford United check out our new dedicated twitter feed - @AcademyOUFC.
Proud History – Bright Future!
Dan Harris
Academy Manager