Charlie Bacon made his Hoops debut when coming on as a second-half substitute in the club’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final against Thame United at the RAW Charging Stadium.



With six minutes of normal time remaining, the teenager found the back of the net to register City’s only goal on the night and become the club’s youngest goal scorer on record at 16 years and 40 days old.

The Cooper School student admitted he found himself in the right place at the right time before scoring and added he hopes to take his career as far as possible.

“It was an amazing experience to make my first-team debut and score on the same night,” said Charlie.

“I was happy to get on the pitch and show what I was capable of, although obviously there were mixed emotions as we couldn’t get the win on the night.

“Joining Oxford City at the start of the season was the best decision I’ve made. My progression has been huge and training week in, week out, has really boosted my fitness and overall ability.

“More than anything, my confidence has increased too and to be in the first-team environment only motivates me to achieve more. Oxford City has a great record of developing and progressing young players into the first team.

“It makes me want to take my career as far as possible and I’m hungry for more success.”

Charlie only joined Hoops’ Junior and Youth Football setup managed by Ignite Sport at the beginning of the season where he plays up front for the U16s in the Junior Premier League.

He combines twice-weekly training sessions at the club’s Marston base with weekly matches where he is coached by the club’s Head of Youth Football Jordan Piper.

Jordan was thrilled to see Hoops’ rising star score on debut and described the moment as a great reward for the hard work he and his teammates have put in throughout their 2022-23 campaign.

“We’re so pleased for Charlie and his goal on debut,” said Jordan.

“It’s a memory we’re sure will last with him throughout his footballing career and is testament to his commitment, passion and development both on and off the pitch this season.

“As the official youth development pathway of Oxford City FC, a key part of our role is to identify and nurture players with outstanding talent. But we also place a great emphasis on players’ personal development and helping them source new confidence from within which can enhance their impact on the pitch and life skills off it.

“Charlie has really bought into the club’s core values and as coaches we take a great deal of pride in seeing players we work with thrive during their time at Oxford City FC.”

Among those to congratulate Charlie on his achievement was Wycombe Wanderers’ winger Garath McLeary, who held the record for being Hoops’ youngest goal scorer since the turn of the millennium.

McLeary netted in City’s tie against Egham on August 25, 2004, aged 17 years and 102 days old.

He said: “Charlie should be very proud of this achievement and registering his first goal for Oxford City FC.

“I’d like to wish Charlie all the best for his future aspirations and look forward to following his progress. With hard work and the right mindset, anything is possible.”

Further information about Oxford City FC’s Junior and Youth Football squads is available online by clicking here.  

The club operates teams from U6s to U18s who play Oxfordshire Youth Male & Female League, Academy and Junior Premier League fixtures.