DREAMS could come true this season for several youngsters hoping to make their mark at Oxford United in FA Women’s Super League 2.

The U’s parted ways with several established players during the off-season, promoting talent from the their youth system in their place.

For academy and women’s general manager Richard Blackmore, the move marks an important step in the club’s plans.

He said: “We have a new strategical plan of five years and by 2020 we aim to be in WSL 1, with 70 per cent of our first team to have come through our development programme.

“That is the club’s ethos.

“At some point we’ve got to develop and play players and there’s no better time than this year, because there’s no relegation from the league.

“That doesn’t mean that we’re just going to go out and not be competitive, because we still have an aim of a top-five finish.

“But the only way these young players are going to get experience is by playing.”

For the players graduating from United’s highly-rated youth system, this represents a golden opportunity.

One of those looking to take advantage is Mollie Dyer, from Didcot.

Only 18 months ago, the midfielder was playing in the Oxford Mail Girls League for Didcot Casuals.

But after impressing in the Didcot Girls' side who won the English Schools’ FA PlayStation Schools’ Cup three years running, she recently made her U's debut in the the SSE Women’s FA Cup trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

“I didn’t realise how much of a step up it would be,” the 16-year-old said.

“Obviously making the move up from grassroots football has been difficult, but it has benefitted me so much better than just continuing to play for the local team.

“I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Defender Charlie Deeley, from Wallingford, hopes to get her chance soon after stepping up from the development squad and is desperate to impress.

The 18-year-old said: “I would love it if I got picked, it would be absolutely brilliant.

“I’ve been at Oxford since I was ten and getting into the first team is what I’ve been striving for all this time.

“To be able to play at this level and do what I love doing so close to home is fantastic.

“I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing with my time.”