EWAN Clark is working hard on and off the pitch as he looks to build on a breakthrough month for Oxford City.

The 19-year-old made his debut as a late substitute at Slough Town on January 2 and started the 3-1 comeback win over Havant & Waterlooville last Saturday.

Clark balances playing for the Vanarama National League South high-fliers with his course at City’s educational academy, Velocity Football, which he joined after his release from Watford’s youth ranks last March.

The winger, from nearby Northway, still hopes to turn professional one day and is grateful for the platform he has been given at Court Place Farm.

“You have to be very honest with yourself and work as hard as you can if you’re going to chase the dream of playing professionally,” he said.

“Leaving Watford was a blow, but I kept working hard and moving forwards.

“The opportunities I’ve had with Oxford City this season have been excellent for my development.

“The squad is performing well, and I know each week in training that I’m working with some of the best players and backroom staff in this division.

“I feel like my first appearances have been good and helped me settle into National League South football.

“I want to push on from this and continue to train and work hard.”

So far, Clark’s progress represents a success story for Velocity, a full-time educational academy for 16 to 23-year-olds aspiring to fulfil a career in sport.

He is studying its Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport programme.

The course takes two years to complete and is worth up to three A-Levels, with topics including health and wellbeing, coaching, sports development and sports psychology.

He added: “Personally, I’m purely focused on turning professional – I feel considering other options right now wouldn’t allow me to put 100 per cent into my game.

“But if it doesn’t work out, I can look back knowing I gave it 100 per cent and have an

industry-recognised qualification which is why Velocity Football is so good for me.”

City are fourth in National League South and visit 13th-placed Hampton & Richmond Borough tomorrow (3pm).

BANBURY United aim to take advantage of home comforts again tomorrow when they host Bromsgrove Sporting.

Andy Whing’s men beat Biggleswade Town 4-0 at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium on Tuesday.

They are 16 points clear at the top of Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.

In Division 1 Central, Thame United will look to build on Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Aylesbury United when they host Kidlington.

Mark West’s side are five points shy of the play-offs.

Didcot Town host Barton Rovers, while neither North Leigh nor Wantage Town are in action.