Match Preview | Oxford City v Oxford United
Oxford City Women kick off their pre season with blockbuster opener.
Finally, football returns to The MGroup Stadium and what an opener it is. The Hoops host Oxford United Women on Saturday as they look to begin the Theoharous reign on a positive note.
Coming off the back of a very successful season last time around and a busy summer period, the mood around the Hoops is one of positivity and hope.
There are some new faces around the group and some familiar faces have departed but the outlook for the upcoming season is incredibly bright.
Oxford City's new Manager Lyon Theoharous has been meticulous over the summer, bringing in players quality and looking to build on the platform set from last season.
Billie Bough-French has expressed her excitement ahead of the upcoming season as she said: "As a team now, we're more solid than ever, we have a brand new manager, which means a different pre season, different sessions and a different aura, and that's what we need, especially as a side that wants to win promotion."
Saturday is the first opportunity for any fans to see the revamped Hoops in action and playing against aside of the quality of Oxford United will be a litmus test for the Hoops as they prepare for another season in the SRWFL.
There is. already enough incentive to head down to The MGroup Stadium, we will also have:
🕺 Half-Time talent contest
🎶 DJ
👩🎤 Face painting
🥳 Inflatables
⚽️ Girl’s football taster sessions
🍔 BBQ
🤹♀️ Carnival games –
There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Oxford United
The MGroup Stadium – Saturday 5th July – 5:00pm
Pre Season Friendly
ONE TO WATCH - Kate Wiseman
Wiseman hasn't followed what would be considered the traditional route into the professional game.
She played a key role at the University of North Alabama, playing 65 games during her four years at collegiate level in the United States. She also graduated with a degree in Exercise Science.
During her first year in the states, she received a call-up to the England U19 squad during UEFA qualifiers. She played against Malta, Croatia, and Slovakia, returning to North Alabama with valuable international experience .
At 23, Wiseman signed for Oxford United, having impressed in pre season, alongside Hayley Hoare. She has been retained by the club ever since and Manager Sam Rose has consistently praised her importance on and off the pitch.
Wiseman will look to dictate play in the middle of the field and her creativity has been a problem for so many teams over the years. Whether from open play or from dead ball situations, Wiseman is a real problem for any opposition.
THE MANAGER - Sam Rose
Rose has a background rooted firmly in coaching and youth development. He spent 12 years at Burton Albion Football Club in the Junior setup where he held multiple roles including Head Coaching.
Later, he worked within the Nottingham Forest Academy as a Youth Development Phase Coach for the under-16s, helping nurture young talent at a Category 1 setup
It's not just development and a wealth of experience in youth coaching that Rose has in his arsenal, he also has experience of coaching at the very top of the Women's game. He joined Aston Villa in the Women's Super League as an assistant coach during the 2022/23 season.
Rose moved to Oxford United and was appointed the first full time head coach at Oxford United and his impact was felt immediately. His first game was a 4-0 win the FA Cup over Woodley United, a side that Oxford City finished behind last season in the league.
Rose also secured the FAWNL Manager of the Month trophy after guiding the team to three wins and a draw in February, helping Oxford challenge near the top of the table.
Oxford United Women are driving toward a professional setup and Rose has spearheaded this movement, and geared them toward Championship football.
HOW TO FOLLOW
FOLLOW THE ACTION:
As per usual, we will be following the game via our Social Channels, including our new WhatsApp Channel where you can read minute-by-minute action as the LIVE event occurs! You can sign up for free
HERE.
