Football & Education OXFORD UNITED

Launched in 2007 the Oxford United Football and Education Academy provides talented young sports people, both male and female, with the chance to combine playing and coaching with academic studies.

2007 saw the launch of the Boys scheme with 27 students enrolled on the course, while 2008 saw the launch of the girl's scheme which increased our numbers to 65 enrolled. The academic programme allows each student to develop their ability as a football player, whilst acquiring valuable knowledge and skills through educational courses such as the Btec Certificate in Sports Performance (equivalent to 3 x A levels), FA Coaching certificates and Physiotherapy certificates.

2008 also saw some changes in the practical element of the scheme increasing from one squad to three. This allowed The Oxford United Football and Education Academy to enter a team into the Youth Conference League, The English Colleges Boys League and also The British Colleges Girls Amateur league.

2009 was a big year for the Girls Football and Education Academy with the squad entering the British Colleges Girls Amateur league playing against teams such as West Ham, Reading and Birmingham. The boys entered their fourth year in the Youth conference Premier league with the standard improving each year.

2011 Saw the Football & Education Academy take another step forward by offering apprenticeships to talented boys aged 16/17. This will involve the student studying a Btec Sports Science qualification and a NVQ in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing. The apprenticeship squad will train on a daily basis and will be involved in regular training sessions with Oxford United's elite youth team.

The Football and Education Academy will provide the most up to date, comprehensive and high quality training for those wishing to break into the sport industry. The benefits include:

    Daily individual coaching & team coaching by UEFA Qualified Coaches

    Organised fixtures against local and national opposition (YCL, BCS and ECFA)

    Nationally recognised qualifications that can lead directly to employment or further study on University degree programmes

Study and Qualifications gained can also lead to opportunities in the following fields:

  -  Professional sports person

  -  Coaching

   - Sports Therapy

   - Fitness Industry

  -  Leisure Management

   - Teaching

   - Higher Education

  -  Overseas Scholarships