CHILDREN will get the chance to hone their footballing skills with Oxford United players and coaches this summer.

Cherwell District Council has joined forces with the club to run football camps for five to 13-year-olds in Kidlington, Bicester and Banbury.

Cherwell deputy leader George Reynolds said: “These summer football camps are perfect for any budding Beckham’s or maturing Messi’s who are obsessed with the beautiful game.”

The camps, which will feature guest appearances by United players, begin at the Cooper School in Bicester from July 20 to July 24 before moving to the North Oxfordshire Academy in Banbury from July 27 to July 31.

More will be held at Kidlington Leisure Centre from August 3 to August 7, Bicester from August 10 to August 14, North Oxfordshire Academy from August 17 to August 21 and again at Kidlington Leisure Centre between August 24 and 28.

The sessions include two girl-only camps – in Banbury from August 17 to August 21 and Kidlington from August 24 to 28.

Parents who book their children in for a week at a time will get a discount and a free family ticket to watch Oxford United.

For more details, and to book places, call 01295 221720.