OXFORD City FC have continued their foray into education by joining forces with Oxford Brookes University.

The partnership formalises a long-standing working relationship between the pair and will strengthen academic and performance opportunities for students and players.

It will also provide an elite performance pathway for footballers at Brookes wishing to pursue a career in the game.

The move comes as City prepare to launch Velocity, a football and education course for students aged 16 to 23.

As part of the partnership, the Vanarama National League South side's sporting director, Justin Merritt, has been appointed head of football at Brookes.

He said: “The relationship will be positive in promoting football in Oxfordshire to an international audience as a place with opportunities to live, study and train.

"We hope in the future to see Oxford Brookes graduates representing Oxford City in the first team.”

Brookes women’s football club head coach Mark Andrews is the new head of women's football at Oxford City.

He said: "We can take this partnership to the next level by facilitating the crossover of staff and creating an environment for excellence.”

Six players from Brookes women’s side have already committed to representing City this season.