A NEW initiative in Oxford United’s youth set-up has begun to bear fruit, with Josh Hill becoming the first player to be offered a scholarship from the advanced apprentice course.

The 17-year-old was told at the end of last season he would not be offered a two-year deal to become a scholar.

But rather than being released altogether, the goalkeeper signed up in the first intake of United’s under 17 course.

Following an extra 12 months of development, he has now accepted an offer to begin a two-year scholarship from next season.

Hill, who joined the club aged ten, admitted missing out last year was devastating, but credited the course with keeping his hopes of becoming a professional intact.

He said: “We get to train with the youth team and occasionally the first team and I’ve loved it.

“I think I’ve grown up a lot over the year and done well on the pitch and to be offered a full scholarship with the club is a dream come true.”

Richard Blackmore, United’s youth and community trust manager, is delighted with the way the first year has gone.

He said: “Josh’s case is a great success story for the course, he always had potential, but sometimes players develop at different speeds, and the chance to work with the coaches day-to-day and focus on what he wants to do has clearly benefitted him.”

United are recruiting for next season’s course and anyone interested in joining should email lblackmore@oufc.co.uk for details.

Elsewhere, the Oxford United Football and Education Academy are holding an open day for prospective students at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

A presentation will begin at 12pm, with those attending offered free tickets to watch the first team take on Morecambe.