BUDDING footballers aiming to become the soccer stars of the future are being urged to find out more about the Oxford United Academy.

The academy’s coaches and students will be on hand to answer questions from the city’s talented young players at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, March 27.

Footballers who think they’ve got what it takes will have the chance to apply to join the U’s academy.

The event is open to teenagers of both sexes aged 16 to 19 and starts at noon.

Club youth community co-ordinator Owen McGovern urged young people to head along.

He said: “It is a perfect opportunity to see whether academy life is something you want to get involved with.

“The open day will give an insight into our core structure and exactly what we are offering, no matter what part of sport you want to go into as a career.

“It will be equally beneficial to people who want to go into sports science as it will be for those wanting to further their football careers.

“We would love to see as many young people as possible come along and discover what is on offer for them.”

Mini presentations from current students and academy scholars as well as a tour of the stadium will form part of the event, and application forms to join the academy will be available.

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

Benefits include daily individual and team coaching by UEFA qualified coaches, organised fixtures against local and national opposition and recognised qualifications that can lead to employment or university degree programmes.

Matt Brandish, a coach with the academy, added: “We hope to see a large number of boys and girls come along for what should be a fun and productive day.”

Those who attend the academy can discover how to forge ahead with a wide range of sporting careers, including professional sports player, sports therapy and leisure management.

Anyone interested in attending the day should call the academy office on 01865 776120 or email mbrandish@oufc.co.uk