Club and University collaborate on exciting new leadership programme.

Oxford City Football Club and the University of Oxford have teamed up to offer members of the first team squad a player certificate programme in leadership.

As part of the long-term collaboration with the world renowned university, the two organisations have been working closely together across three key areas: education, research and facilities.

The team have been training weekly at the university's first class facilities and now the squad have been able to sign up for a leadership qualification to help with their development off the field.

The Oxford University Football Leadership programme started last week at Vincent's Club in the city centre, and members of the men's first team squad were in attendance to start the ten-session programme.

Owner Justin Merritt said: "I'm very proud, I was delighted with the day.

"We started by training on the grass at one of the university's colleges and there were some brilliant presentations in the first session. 

“This is a very exciting project to be involved with, something that works on all levels and we hope benefits the club, the University and the whole city."

Alex Betts, the University's Local & Global Engagement Officer added: "I thought it was great to kick off the first session of the Oxford University Football Leadership programme.

"It's a really important part of our partnership with Oxford City Football Club and it's brilliant to have the players and members of the coaching staff with us to kick off our ten part sessions on leadership for football.

"We also really want to inspire them to develop lifelong skills. They're playing in the city of Oxford and Oxford has one of the world's leading universities.

"Let's take those resources and enable footballers to benefit from that."

Watch the video below to find out more about the programme and our link with the University of Oxford.