YOUNG footballers hoping to be the stars of the future are competing for places on a two-year course run by Oxford United.

More than 30 teenagers attended a presentation at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday to find out more about the club’s Football and Education Academy.

United, in conjunction with the Oxford Academy, runs the course offering a full-time programme of football and education.

If players aged 16 to 19 don’t make the grade as professional footballers, they can leave at the end of the two years with sporting qualifications, including Level 1 and 2 FA Coaching Awards.

There is also access to the BTEC First, and the BTEC National Diploma, giving students the opportunity to apply to university if they want to continue their education.

Craig Beecham, the course’s director of education, said the course had become increasingly popular after launching in 2007.

After addressing about 30 prospective students, he said: “We will have a new intake of about 35 to 40 students in September and we are over-subscribed every year.

“A few years ago, I watched a really talented kid go to a Premiership club but he didn’t make it and was left at the age of 18 wondering what to do.

“That won’t happen here because we insist that people who come to our academy get qualifications as well as playing football, which ensures they can continue their education or go into coaching.

“If players are not up-to-date with their work they don’t get to play football, and that seems to work very well here as an incentive.

“From this year’s group, we had 14 applicants for university and 11 of them have confirmed offers of a place.”

Karl Russell, 16, from Witney, attended the open day with father Peter, 56.

The Wood Green School pupil, who plays for Carterton FC reserves and the youth team, said: “I think it would be very exciting to come here and do my training because the club has good quality facilities and good quality coaching.”

Mr Russell, an electrician at RAF Brize Norton, added: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity. There was nothing like this when I left school.”

Liam Hope, 17, from Salisbury, who plays for Amesbury Town FC, said: “If the football career doesn’t come off, then you can get some great coaching qualifications.”

Otman Lamzini, 16, from Blackbird Leys, who is on the course, said: “I would really recommend it – even if you don’t get taken on you end up with some qualifications.”

Ben Thomas, 25, a teacher and coach on the course, added: “The course is aimed at kids who love football and want to stay involved in the game as long as possible.

“But they can also study for Football Association coaching badges and other sports qualifications. It’s a very good mix of sport and education.”

Teenagers attending the presentation start the two-year course in September if they win a place.