Oxford United are delighted to announce Youth Academy graduate, Jack Lee, has signed his first professional contract.
The young forward scored 30 goals last season for the Under-18s and now signs professionally for the Club as he looks to make the step towards first team football.
The 17-year-old has been at the Club since 2023, having previously been on trials and Chelsea, Wimbledon and most recently, Crystal Palace.
Last season, he formed a formidable partnership with Leo Snowden, with the pair scoring a combined 65 goals between them across all competitions.
Speaking after signing his professional contract, he said: “This means a lot to me, and to my family. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point and it’s nice to finally sign.
“I was picked up by Oxford when I played against the Under 15 side during my time at Crystal Palace. I came off the bench and scored and got an assist and after that I signed for the Club.
“Last season I managed to get 30 goals, which was my target at the beginning of the year. We had an exceptional season for the Under 18s to get into two semi-finals and then to second in the league.
“I want to get experience from the First Team now. Playing under this gaffer, I will learn a lot, and when I get to train with the First Team I want to take as much as I can.
“Getting to see how people like Sparky and Tom Bradshaw train every day, and to ask them questions, I can develop my game so much from there.
“I want to now train with the First Team more and the ambition is to get another 30 goals with the Youth Academy and then make my Championship debut.”
Head of Football Operations, Ed Waldron, said: “Jack had an extremely strong season with the Under 18s last year and we feel he fully deserves this deal for his performances.
“Unfortunately, Jack picked up an injury which has ruled him out of pre-season, but we are excited to see how he can kick on once he returns to the pitch.
“With Jack, Leo Snowden and Louis Griffiths all recently signed to professional contracts, it’s a great reflection of the work the Youth Academy are doing to develop players which we hope can become First Team ready in the months and years to come.”
