Oxford City Sports College

Oxford City Football Club has a long established reputation for linking sport and education and summer 2013 sees this develop further with the forming of the Oxford City Sports College

About Oxford City Sports College;

·  further evolution of long established sport & education initiatives at Oxford City FC

·  structured in association with respected Oxford educational institutions

·  now includes International focus as well as local community

·  variable duration and flexible full time sport & education course content

·  options for short term sport & language courses

·  emphasis on developing improved playing & coaching skills

·  Junior Elite Squads also established within the Sports College structure commencing with Under 9s Boys football

Junior Elite Squad - Under 9s Boys Football

(fully funded by Oxford City FC)

Objectives;

·  To develop young elite football players and coaches within the Oxfordshire area, allowing them access to the very best coaching, facilities, sports science and rehabilitation available outside senior Professional Academies.

How the squads will operate;

·  The Oxford City Junior Elite Squads will compete at the highest possible level, including competitive fixtures against other senior Professional Academies.

  • Commencing with the Under 9 Elite Squad, boys will be selected through trials, invitation, recommendation and scouting.
  • Placement in the Elite Squad will be for the whole season.
  • Training twice a week utilising Oxford City facilities including the 3G artificial grass pitch and classrooms.
  • Minimum standard of Level 2 Coaches and 3 coaches per group.
  • Maximum of 15 players per Junior Elite Squad 1:5 coaching ratio.
  • Competitive fixtures on Saturdays plus matches against senior Professional Academies & Centres of Excellence
  • 1 to 1 player reviews highlighting strengths, weaknesses and areas for development.
  • Good quality match kit, training wear and dress tracksuits.
  • Access to Chartered Physiotherapist services and medical rehabilitation.
  • Football Education & development of game understanding.
  • Potential progression to senior professional Elite Player Performance Plan Academies.

Top class management;

Andy Marriott

Junior Elite Squads, Director of Football

Andy has 25 years experience within Professional Football as a player with over 500 first team appearances, including 5 full internationals for Wales, FA Premier League appearances for Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Birmingham City and a 1992 League Cup Final appearance.

He made the decision during 2011 to retire as a player/General Manager at Exeter City to become Assistant Sporting & Technical Director at West Bromwich Albion where he worked alongside Dan Ashworth, Roberto Di Matteo & Roy Hodgson, helping the club retain its Premier League status and attain EPPP Academy category 1 status.

During his extensive career Andy has also been Vice Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association and was involved in the introduction of the Academy system to develop young players whilst encouraging and aiding them to pursue Vocational and Educational qualifications. He also studied and graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Sports Science & Coaching (BSc Hons).

Mark Smithson

Junior Elite Squads, Operations Director

Mark has been a Company Director for over 30 years and throughout his career he has combined his passion for sport with his creative flair for business. Initially setting up a successful manufacturing business, he went on to be Managing Director of The largest Racing Car Constructor in the World and the Largest Motorcycle Retail Group in Europe.

In his own highly successful Motor Racing career he was FIA Sportscar World Cup Champion in 2000 before retiring after Le Mans in 2002 after 23 years as a driver. During this period he also founded First Time Racing to help aspiring and talented drivers one of whom won Le Mans driving for Bentley.

Currently Chief Executive of Worx Bikes driving this New Racing Brand and Team into life. He is also Non-Executive Chairman of Osbourne Purdie LLC, a Training and Marketing agency for the Automotive Industry.

Mark is a highly qualified level 2 football coach working with different age groups within Elite Development Centres. Mark has been the driving force behind the concept of the Oxford City Junior Elite Squads.

For more information email;

Oxford City FC - more than playing football !