The detailed agreement will help Oxford City fulfil its strategy to provide enhanced development and education opportunities to its staff, with a strong focus on its academy. The partnership is based on shared values and footballing philosophies and will be highly collaborative in its delivery.

Oxford City FC coaches will attend Continuing Professional Development sessions delivered by Fulham FC to support and broaden staff’s knowledge relating to player identification, football philosophy, player development and coaching curriculum.

Justin Merritt, Director of Football at Oxford City FC, said the partnership is a huge boost that will help the club further fulfil its vision to provide young players with the best playing opportunities and experiences.

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.”



Both clubs’ women’s teams will also work closely together to strengthen female football opportunities in both regions.

Mike Cave, Academy Director at Fulham FC, said: “Formalising a partnership with Oxford City FC 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 FC 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 FC’s programmes and in-turn providing players with an initial opportunity to a Category One football academy.”