Mark Roach has taken over as Oxford United’s youth and community marketing manager.

Roach, 42, who lives near Henley, was previously commercial and community manager at Blue Square South club Maidenhead United.

He is looking to raise awareness and funding for the youth development and community side of the club.

“The key thing is that it is not just the first team who are making progress,” he said.

“I met two lads this week who came to the academy with no GCSEs and who are now going on to university.

“ That is just one way that the club is engaging with the community, giving young people the chance to develop and build a career.”

Mark, whose father Brian Roach, was a director at Reading FC, successfully built up the ladies team when he was at Maidenhead United.

Mark’s job will be to raise revenue and the profile of the work that the Youth and Community Trust do.

“With the youth department, the work in the community, the social inclusion programme, the new classes at Oxford Learning United, plus the exciting progress of the Academy, the club is moving forward in so many new directions.” he said.

“ I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Maidenhead but see this as a fantastic opportunity on a slightly bigger scale at a professional club. I have enjoyed the role so far and can’t wait to get started with everything.”