The Oxfordshire Regional Talent Centre (RTC) is celebrating another success this weekend when their Under 16s side travel down to Middlesex FA to face Chorley in a prestigious National JPL Final.
The Boys RTC programme is part of the newly established pathway into Academy football here at the club and provides an opportunity for talented young players from across the county to train with Academy coaches, play competitive fixtures as well as creating opportunities to step up to join the relevant Academy Age group sides when appropriate.
Overseen by Academy Head of Recruitment Gareth Hamer, the pathway is already proving to be productive despite only being 18 months old and has seen five players from the boys RTC being offered a chance as Academy players this season.
Academy Manager Dan Harris told us
“It’s fantastic to see both the boys and girls RTCs doing well, as well as the club's Community programme growing despite all the challenges of the last 18 months. The Boys RTC U16s group should be very proud of reaching a national final despite only having played together for just over a season.
“Gareth and all the coaching staff have done a fantastic job putting a real high-quality programme in place and everyone at the Academy wishes the group well as they compete in what should be a hugely competitive final."