Oxford United is looking for the next generation of soccer stars to join a scheme which gives youngsters a chance at becoming professional footballers.

The U’s want boys and girls aged between 16 and 19 to join its football and education scheme, which aims to give youngsters a career in the beautiful game.

The course combines lessons in the classroom so teenagers can earn BTEC qualifications while also giving them two hours of football coaching per day so they can continue playing the game they love.

The programme, which was launched in 2007, has already enjoyed success with one of its students, Marvin Martin, from East Oxford, signing for United’s youth team.

Two others, Luke Ingram, from Abingdon and Steve Myatt, from Headington, also broke into the youth set-up last year while Claire Marsh had a trial with Arsenal Ladies.

The club currently has about 45 boys and 15 girls on the course, which was set up in 2007.

It is holding an open day at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, where it hopes to sign up another 25 boys and 15 girls for classes starting in September.

Coach Matty Brandish, a former Oxford United youth team player, said: “The idea of this scheme was to help young players who get released from a professional club.

“This helps them get back involved with a professional club, stay in education and get good quality coaching so they could progress in the team at Oxford United.

“We’ve been very pleased with boys and girls that are coming through so far.

“Some of them were students who didn’t really listen at school but now they are young adults who are switched on to learning again through football.”

The course offers students the chance to earn a two-year BTEC qualification in Sport and Performance which is the equivalent of three A-levels.

Teenagers who were less successful in school can take a one-year BTEC First in Sport which is the equivalent of four GCSEs. Mr Brandish said the course could also be used as a stepping stone for people who want to become a coach or a physio, as students can earn FA coaching badges and injury treatment certificates. The U’s open day kicks off at 1.30pm.

Prospective students attending the event will get a free ticket for United’s Blue Square Premier League game against Torquay United, which kicks off at 5.45pm.