JOE Edwards feels ‘honoured’ to be able to represent his hometown club as he prepares for another season with Oxford City Stars, starting on Sunday at home to Wightlink Raiders in National League Division 1 South.

The 26-year-old forward, who came through Stars’ under 18 side before going on to make 130 appearances for the club, said his enthusiasm for the club remains undimmed almost nine years after his senior debut.

“I am always excited to get on the ice in an Oxford shirt,” he said.

“It’s the team I grew up coming to watch and ultimately what got me into the sport. It is a real honour.

“But with the team that Simon (Anderson, head coach) has put together you won’t see a dull game – this year is the best team I have played in here in Oxford.”

Edwards, who represented England at under 19 level, netted 13 goals and bagged 11 assists last season to help Stars claim a play-off berth.

And he has been putting in the work over the summer to take his performances – and the rest of the team’s – to new heights.

He said: “I think with all of the off-ice work I have put in this year a bit of the young me will be back in my game.

“I want to bring the energy of a young player but apply some of my experience as an oldie to my game too.

“I think this will be a turnaround season for me, and for the club.”