OXFORD City have formed a ‘ground-breaking’ partnership with Premier League club Fulham.

The initiative will help strengthen the development of young players and coaches at the Vanarama National League South side.

The clubs’ growing relationship enabled City to sign former Fulham youngster Zico Asare last summer, with the defender recently earning a move to Vanarama National League club Maidenhead United following an impressive season.

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In turn, the partnership will provide a pathway to a Category One academy for any bright prospects at Court Place Farm.

City say the initiative is based on ‘shared values and footballing philosophies’ and co-owner Justin Merritt explained it helps the club towards its ultimate goal.

He said: “This is a ground-breaking partnership for Oxford City which will be mutually beneficial to both clubs.

“Our medium to long-term ambition is to go full-time and to develop more young footballers.

“This partnership is invaluable as it not only creates additional playing opportunities for our academy players but also provides a platform for our coaches to develop and gain invaluable knowledge and experience.

“The relationship with Fulham has been growing, which last season led to the signing of Zico Asare.

“Formalising the working relationship via an official partnership means both clubs can take it to the next level.

“We look forward to working with Fulham and continuing to advance footballing knowledge, experience and opportunities for our players and coaches.”

Asare is one of three players to leave City for higher-division clubs this summer, with Ewan Clark moving to Bristol City and George Harmon joining Scottish Premiership side Ross County.

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City head coach Ross Jenkins hopes those stories show the value of dropping down the divisions to get regular football.

He said: “To be associated with a club like Fulham is only a positive.

"They will help, it’s another link to a big football club as well as Oxford United.

“I think there will be a few more Zicos coming out of Fulham, it’s not about ability it’s sometimes about timing.

“If we can have access to some of those players early those are the boys we’d like to attract.

“We’ve proven stepping down from the pro game to Oxford City does get you a move eventually.

“It’s important the boys see it as well, the challenge is going from full-time to part-time.

“The end goal is to get back into full-time and hopefully Zico has paved the way for that."

City coaches will attend Continuing Professional Development sessions delivered by Fulham to broaden staff’s knowledge of issues such as player identification, football philosophy, player development and coaching curriculum.

The partnership will also see the two clubs’ women’s teams work closely to strengthen female football opportunities.

Mike Cave, academy director at Fulham, said: “Formalising a partnership with Oxford City is great news for both clubs after a long-standing awareness of each other’s key philosophies and aspirations.

“While we sit at different ends of the football pyramid, the core values and ethos of Fulham are shared by Justin and his team which is why we were so keen to collaborate.

“We are very excited about the potential of this partnership by supporting the development of Oxford City’s programmes and in-turn providing players with an initial opportunity to a Category One football academy.”