FOOTBALL stars of the future can hone their skills this half-term thanks to Oxford United's official charity.

Oxford United in the Community (OUITC) is holding two five-day holiday courses for budding young players at Oxford Academy next month.

Boys and girls aged four to 13 can practice passing, turning, dribbling and shooting at the specialist sessions in a 3G indoor sports dome at the school.

One course is for boys and girls and the other is for girls only, with sessions aiming to help youngsters develop new skills while having fun.

The courses have been popular in the past and OUITC's head of operations, Chris Lowes, said they help children develop as both players and people.

He added: “Our half-term football courses have gone from strength to strength and continue to grow in popularity among parents and children.

“The courses are structured for children to have fun and improve their skills in a nurturing and safe environment.

"They are delivered as part of the charity’s commitment to support active and healthy lifestyles among youngsters in Oxfordshire.”

Oxford Mail:

All sessions are in Oxford Academy's state-of-the-art indoor sports dome and each day consists of warm-ups, skills sessions and mini matches.

  • The football camps, which run from February 18 to February 22, also aim to develop respect, sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork in a fun environment.
  • Children are asked to bring their own football kit to the sessions, including shin-pads, boots and trainers, plus lunch and drinks.

OUITC helps inspire youngsters to reach their potential and improve their health and wellbeing via the power of football, engagement and education.

The holiday courses are the latest in a long line of programmes delivered by coaching staff in nursery and primary schools across Oxfordshire.

Every coach is FA qualified and has up to date safeguarding, first aid and criminal records checks.

As well as football coaching, they are qualified in teaching interventions including Real PE, which develops agility, balance and coordination, healthy competition and cooperative learning.

  • The half-term courses cost £75 for the whole week and can be booked by visiting officialsoccerschools.co.uk/oxfordunited/