Oxford City Football Club can confirm that Jayden Carbon has joined Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old becomes the second Velocity Football academy graduate to make a move to the EFL this summer, following the transfer of Phil Croker to Crewe Alexandra in June.

Carbon emerged as one of the brightest prospects in non-league football, having impressed in National League North last season. Overall, he went on to make a total of 56 appearances for City, scoring ten goals.

We are incredibly proud to have played a part in Jayden’s development and to see him progress from our Under 8s team here at the MGroup Stadium, all the way through to our first team is something we take immense pride in. 

This latest success highlights what is becoming a golden period for Oxford City’s youth system and Velocity Football programme.

Jayden is also the latest player to progress through the club’s Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) apprenticeship programme in partnership with Ignite Training. 

He follows the like of Ewan Clark, who secured a transfer to Bristol City after completing the course. 

With two players now stepping into full-time professional football in the space of a single transfer window, the club is continuing to earn a growing reputation as a hotbed for emerging talent. 

As a club, we would also like to say a big thank you to all of the coaches and staff at the club who have played an important role in creating an environment for players to flourish at our club. 

Manager Ross Jenkins said: “Jayden's come through the ranks from a young age, worked ever so hard and had to be patient.

“He’s had to go loan and play in multiple positions to get onto the pitch. You can tell he really wants to be a footballer. 

“He’s got his chance now. So we’re absolutely over the moon for him.

“Seeing Jayden move into the EFL is testament to the work that’s happening at the club behind the scenes, and we’re all extremely proud to have played a part in developing Jayden from the Velocity programme all the way through to the first team.

“We’re wishing Jayden all the best in his career, and we’ll be following his progress from afar.” 

Owner Justin Merritt added: “We are incredibly proud of Jayden Carbon and the progress he has made during his time at Oxford City. 

“While it’s always bittersweet to see one of our own move on, we are delighted to see Jayden take the next step in his career and wish him every success at Middlesbrough.

“Jayden’s journey – from our grassroots programme through the JPL squads, the Velocity Academy, and the Sporting Excellence apprenticeship, to becoming a regular in our first team – is a testament to the strength of our player development pathway.

“Ross Jenkins and the entire coaching staff continue to show unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and providing genuine opportunities for progression into the professional game. Jayden’s success is a reflection of that dedication.”

Everyone at Oxford City is delighted for Jayden, and we wish him nothing but the best for his time in the North East. 

He’ll always be welcome back at the MGroup Stadium.