OXFORD Schools FA, who have been in existence for 104 years, have disappeared off the representative football map.

Having run teams at under 11 up to under 15 for over a century, Oxford are not fielding a side at any age group this season.

The 'Oxford Boys' sides have featured a host of players who have gone on to make their mark in the professional game.

Mark Wright, Martin Keown, Garry Parker, Joey Beauchamp and more recently Jermaine McSporran, Chris Hackett and Jamie Brooks are just some of those who played for Oxford before moving into the pro ranks.

But John Serle, Oxford's secretary and treasurer, explained that they had been unable to recruit a single manager this term.

"Obviously, it is a great shame for the kids - they are the people who are losing out," he said.

Oxford's only representative team last term was at under 11, but manager Gerard Murphy is moving to Ireland and it hasn't been possible to find a replacement.

"Due to the state of education in the city, a lot of staff are leaving," said Serle. "There are so many extra pressures on teachers and they don't have the time, or are not willing to give up the time."

At under 15, which features the ESFA Trophy - schoolboy football's showpiece - Serle reported that two teachers had expressed an interest in running the team.

However, they were then promoted and didn't feel they could devote the time.

On a brighter note, Serle reported that more schools were now affiliated to the OSFA.

Inter-schools leagues have been organised at under 11 together with small-sided cup competitions at under 10, 12 and 13.

Meanwhile, there has been a resurgence of football in the secondary schools with leagues at under 13, 14 and 15 and under 16 girls.