As 2023 draws to a close we asked Academy Manager Stevie Kinniburgh for a round up of his first full year in charge of the Academy and a ‘half season report’ on the continued success of the age group teams.
“What a brilliant first full year as Academy Manager at Oxford United” he writes "I have really enjoyed it".
“The club as a whole is in transition with the ownership, CEO, Chairman, Managers, and Academy Manager all changing within the last 18 months or so and the strategic focus and overall direction of the club is moving in a really positive direction both on and off the pitch.
“Within the Academy we have and are still making changes to our structure and how we believe we can develop young players to be the best version of themselves while giving them the tools to become Oxford United players and perhaps ultimately Premier League players.
”People see the Under 18s and the FA Youth Cup run they had, and maybe Louis Griffiths and Leo Snowden making First Team debuts at 15, but we regularly have Premier League clubs sending scouts to all our age groups due to the attacking, dynamic, and expansive, style of play we have within our games based approach at 9-14s.
“Due to this new style we have lost a few players to Premier League clubs but that is a positive sign that we are creating a culture and environment that is getting the best from our youngsters.
“This is only the beginning, we have big plans to deliver more in 2024 and I am really looking forward to getting it all going again in January.”