Oxford United are considering becoming a Centre of Excellence for women's football, writes JON MURRAY.

They have been in talks with the Football Association, who have asked whether they want to become a regional centre, like neighbouring Reading and Swindon.

But it would not mean women's matches taking place at the Kassam Stadium.

United's community officer, Peter Rhoades-Brown, said: "We've had a ladies' team here before, and a reserve team, when we were at the Manor Ground.

"We've spoken to the FA about it and they are keen. It's something the club are considering, but it won't be happening in the near future.

"It would be using us as a base and regional centre for girls to progress and improve their football skills. We encourage girls in the county as much as we do the boys.

"Boys have got the target of going on to become a professional and the girls have the target of going on to play for Oxford in the Women's League."

Around ten per cent of those who take part in the club's soccer courses throughout Oxfordshire are female, and one of the teams in the schools' five-a-side semi-finals, to be played at the Kassam Stadium before the Kidderminster game next Saturday, have a girl as their captain.