SOCCER stars of the future will be able to find out more about a football academy being run by Oxford United and Peers School at an open day next weekend.

The academy - which is open to 16- to 18-year-olds eager to make it as professional footballers and coaches - will be throwing open its doors on Saturday, March 29, for potential students and their parents to learn more about the Btec course in football and coaching.

And it is now recruiting students for its second intake.

From 10.45am at the Kassam Stadium, they will be able to meet course tutors and hear from a number of people involved with the course.

They include Simon Lenagan, one of the Oxford United directors, and Owen McGovern, United's youth and community manager, as well as two current students.

Potential candidates will then be taken on a tour of the stadium and, together with up to three members of their family, will be invited to watch United's game against Northwich Victoria.

Applications opened last month and the course directors say they have already had an encouraging response.

This year, they are particularly keen to hear from girls interested in enrolling. Last year, two girls joined the 25-strong course - one, Claire Marsh, has gone on to have trials with Arsenal Ladies.

It is hoped that up to half of the expanded intake of 50 students for 2008-09 will be girls, with the aim of forming a squad and helping maintain the growth in women's football.

Simon Abercrombie, head of teaching and learning at Peers, said: "We have been very pleased with the response so far.

"The standard of applications has been high and things are progressing well.

"We've learned a lot in our first year and some of our players have really made the most of the opportunities the course offers."

After the open day, applicants will be invited to trials and interviews which are due to take place throughout the summer.