Oxford United have been holding trials this week for those that could become the players of the future - but most of them are only eight years old.

Around 140 boys have been put throught their paces at United's training ground at Sandford-on-Thames and asked to show what they can do with a football.

And United's youth development officer Les Taylor admits he has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"We need to fill a squad of 16 and we've had 140 lads at trials over three days," Taylor said. "Some have been recommended by our scouts in the area but I do also write letters to clubs in the area asking them to put forward promising lads, and many have responded to that.

"Obviously, with the boys still so young, you get a lot of parents on the sidelines shouting encouragement and urging their lads on, but we do ask for no coaching from the touchline. We just want to let the lads play because we're looking at their natural ability.

"But we're not just looking for the lad who can beat five players and score five goals. Yes, we're looking for the skilful ones, but we're also looking at the defender type who can tackle, and for the hard-working ones to get a balance. Those chosen get to play in holiday times, but it's only when they're 12 that they'll really play for Oxford United.

"Wycombe don't take youngsters until 11, but all the Academy clubs take boys from under nines and we find if we don't do that, we miss out. Our better lads, of the ones that are now breaking through, are the ones who have been with us from nine to 16.

"But it's encouraging to see the standard. A lot of boys have been on our soccer courses and you can see in many instances that they've had professional coaching from the age of four."

For those that miss out this time, it's not the end of the world.

"What we do tell them, and their parents, is that because they are so young, we'll take another 15 that we will have another look at in pre-season trials," Taylor said. "So if they miss the boat now, that's not the end."

Among those from famous footballing backgrounds who have been having trials with United are the son of ex-Wimbledon and Swindon Town defender Gary Elkins, and, next month, the son of one of the club's most famous midfielders, Trevor Hebberd.