OXFORD United's academy at Peers School is looking for the next crop of female football talent after toasting a successful first season.

The course, which began last year, offers BTEC qualifications and the chance for players aged 16 to 19 to progress into professional football.

In its opening 12 months, the academy sent players to train with United's youth team and fostered the talent of Claire Marsh, who had a trial with Arsenal Ladies and looks set to join Portsmouth.

Coach Matty Brandish, himself a former Oxford United youth team player, said next season's goal was to run a successful ladies' team.

He said: "We've just completed our first year and it's gone really well.

"In the boys, we have had four or five who have gone and played with the scholars at Oxford United's youth team.

"All of them completed their Level One coaching qualification and three quarters of them started their Level Two course. Peter Rhoades-Brown at Oxford United has taken seven or eight of them and given them jobs coaching football in the community.

"All in all, it has been a really good success.

"We are now looking to run a girls' squad in a college league and we have set up a link from under 10s to ladies' football.

"It's all the way through the age groups, so even if you are a late developer you can come and play with girls who have been coached all their life.

"If they are good enough they can end up playing for the Oxford United ladies' reserve side and even the first team.

"We've got eight or nine girls already enrolled but we want to get a squad of 16 or 17 together."

The academy, which will start training next year's intake in August before lessons begin in September, offers graduates a BTEC First or BTEC National in sports performance.

Mr Brandish said: "The biggest plus point is the girls will not only get a BTEC, they will also do their coaching qualifications to Level One and Two - and basic treatment of injuries.

"There are a lot of bolt-ons on our course that other places don't really offer.

"The students will be in classes every day, training every day and playing every Wednesday in a colleges' league which is of a good standard."

Applicants will be interviewed and given a trial, but Mr Brandish was keen to stress the inclusive nature of the academy.

He said: "We try to include as many people as possible.

"You just have to be interested in football and have an enthusiasm for it."

Call Mr Brandish on 01865 783262 or email him at matty.brandish@peers.oxon.sch.uk