We are delighted to make two very special awards on Saturday ahead of the game against Rotherham United.
Each year we recognise talented young footballers in Oxfordshire with the Kevin Durham Memorial Cup and the Randall Bates Award. Both Kevin and Randall were huge believers in helping players fullfil their potential and trophies are presented by their families as we remember their own contribution to football in Oxfordshire.
The Randall Bates Award Winner for the Outstanding U14s Academy player 2020/21 will be presented to Harrison Bradney.
Academy Manager Dan Harris writes:
“Harrison is worthy recipient of the award combining high performance on the field with elite standards and behaviour around all parts of the programme. A ball-playing midfielder who has featured regularly for older age groups during his time with the club, Harrison is an Oxfordshire lad who understands what it means to represent his hometown club.
“Those who knew Randall knew what a passionate and committed coach he was and, as someone who took great pride in seeing young players reach their potential, he would certainly have endorsed Harrison as someone who carries the values of our club in everything he does.”
The Kevin Durham Award Winner for Outstanding U15s Academy player 2020/21 goes to Zaide Took-Oxley
“Zaide is another Oxfordshire lad who has been with the club since the Foundation phase” Dan said. “A cultured central midfielder, Zaide has regularly featured for older age groups during his time with the club and was rewarded for his work so far by earning a scholarship earlier this season which will begin on completion of his GCSEs.
“The Kevin Durham award has been a feature of the Oxford United landscape for many years with previous winners including, amongst others, Irish International Callum O'Dowda. Awarded to the player who combines footballing excellence with high character, Zaide is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award and everyone at OUFC looks forward to continuing to support him and his team-mates over the months and years ahead.”
Congratulations to both players- give them a warm welcome when they receive their awards on the pitch tomorrow.