AN agreement has been reached which will see Oxford United move its training base to the Oxford Sports Park.

The £4.9million development on Horspath Road will host all outdoor training for the club's first team, under 18s and the academy when it opens this summer.

It clears up an area of uncertainty which had been an issue for several years, with the club having to secure an extension on their existing site at Roman Way while an alternative location was arranged.

Fusion Lifestyle has a 25-year lease to operate the facility, which will include three full-size grass pitches and a 3G artificial surface for the community.

Oxford Mail:

  • The layout of the new site at the Oxford Sports Park  Picture: Oxford United

United will have exclusive use of four full-sized pitches and two goalkeeper training areas, as well as space to build a new pavilion.

Richard Blackmore, head of club operations at Oxford United, said: “This will give us fantastic new facilities on the edge of the city and allow all areas of the club to work side by side, from the young players in the academy right through to the first team."

Mark Munday, divisional business manager for Fusion Lifestyle, said: “We are thrilled to have made this agreement with Oxford United.

"We have a long association with Oxford United and look forward to an even closure relationship in the future.”

Councillor Linda Smith, Oxford City Council's deputy leader, said: “I am delighted that we have reached agreement with Oxford United for the new Oxford Sports Park to become the home of the club’s training facility.

“Oxford Sports Park will provide fantastic new facilities for people of all ages to get into sport in Oxford, but I think this new partnership, with community teams training right next to Oxford United’s stars, will be particularly impactful and inspiring for the city’s children."