The whole United first team squad will be here on Saturday as the Youth Development Benefit game kicks off, but for two of the squad the youth set up holds particularly fond memories.

Sam Deering and Aaron Woodley are now permanent fixtures in the first team squad after coming through the ranks at The U's. Londoner Sam had spells at Chelsea and Charlton as a youngster but found his home when he arrived at Oxford as a 17 year old. He told us:

"I owe so much to the youth development system at Oxford. I came in as a kid and was made to feel at home straight away. The  coaches were very helpful but the whole set up is designed to get the best out of you really. Even now the youth team train on the next pitch to us and there are some very good players coming  through.  I knew when I came that  the club had a reputation for developing players: Dexter Blackstock, Dean Whitehead, Sam Ricketts and so on. That's made possible thanks to loads of hard work behind the scenes so I am very happy to come along on Saturday and show my support for what they  do."

Striker Aaron Woodley has featured in every pre-season game so far and has seen the youth set up at first hand all the way through:

"I've been with the club since I was very young and have been helped along the way by some excellent coaches and some great advice. It is great to know that you get a chance as a local lad and Saturday should be a great event to show what they do."

All age groups will get their chance to show their skills on Saturday with the Centre of Excellence footballers entertaining on the pitch ahead of the Oxford United Legends v Celebrity XI game which kicks off at 3pm.

The United legends can call on the services of the likes of Joey Beauchamp, Paul Moody, Les Robinson and Milk Cup winners Les Philips and Jeremy Charles, plus manager Chris Wilder, Chairman Kelvin Thomas and coaches Andy  Melville and Mickey Lewis.

The showbiz XI will be drawn from a squad including the likes of Paul Merson, Joe Swash, John Altman (Nick Cotton), Sam Cane from Emmerdale, showjumper Oliver Skeate, presenter Jeff Brazier, and Quadrophenia star Phil Daniels as well as former pros such as Richard Sneekes and Dave Regis. There will also be a guest appearance from Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke who will kick off the match.

Fans will get to live out their dreams with a game on the pitch as well.

It's going to be a great event and tickets are just £10 adults, £4 for under 16s/over 65s.

All proceeds go to help Youth development at the club so call 01865 337533 to book your place today.