Oxford United are proud to introduce another batch of scholars for the 2025/26 season. 10 players have put pen to paper and signed their scholarship deals at the Club as they take their next step in the journey to become professional.
The group of players sign on having had a successful season last year, narrowly missing out on the Under-16 league title. Several players continued to develop with valuable minutes in the Under-18 and Under-21 sides alongside their league run.
The side not only had a good run in the league, but they also made it to the semi-finals of the Under-15 Floodlit Cup, before losing in a penalty shootout by Plymouth Argyle.
A very tight-knit squad with five of these boys being at the Club since the age of nine, the Club are delighted for the boys to continue their career in Oxford.
Introducing the next generation of Oxford United:
Albie Collins
Physical but also composed on the ball, Albie is one of five new scholars who has been at the Club since Under-9 level. He made his debut for the Under-18s last season, going on to play seven times. When asked about starting full-time football and signing as a scholar at the Club, he replied saying: “Just pure excitement and I can’t wait to be honest. I want to have the games flowing every week."
Callum Palmer-Flynn
A very familiar face in the Under-18s, Callum continues an already impressive journey at the Club. The calm and hardworking midfielder who can also play as a full-back brings an engine to the side. 23 appearances for the Under-18s last season and featuring six times for the Under-21s, his experience will be crucial to the squad next season. A very talented individual who has an exciting year ahead was asked about how he felt signing for the Club: “It’s been a good journey so far, signing my scholar is a good stepping stone, so hopefully just keep working hard and we will see what comes next”.
Euan Griffith
Euan is our second centre-back coming into the set-up this year, joining the club in the Under-14s. He had a different route to a lot of the boys, playing for a couple of local clubs before becoming part of the Oxford RTC. He then went on to be scouted by the Club and signed a two-year deal at 14. When asked about what he can bring to the squad this season, Euan replied with: “Hopefully bring some leadership, I like to say I’m calm on the ball and like to play around at the back”.
Harley Gardner
A versatile defender who has played across the back-line, but is a natural full-back. Harley is another one who has been at the Club since the age of nine. He has already become very familiar with U18 football after making a total of 24 appearances for the side last season, becoming a regular and starting eleven out of the last twelve games. Harley also came off the bench for the Under-21s on five occasions and got his first Under-18 goal away to Plymouth back in 2024. When asked to describe himself as a player, Harley replied saying: “Full-back, more like Kyle Walker, as someone who is quick and can both attack and defend."
Harry Jones
“A keeper who likes to dominate the box and a good player with my feet," were Harry's words to describe his game. Harry joined the Club last season after a successful trial period. A different journey to many others in the squad as he began in London with West Ham before coming to Oxfordshire. The shot stopper is buzzing to get started in Under-18s football and said when signing the scholar: “It’s a massive moment, delighted all the hard work finally paid off."
Kesh Purcell
A new face at the Club, Kesh joins after a successful trial last season for the Under-16s. Played his football at Brighton from Under-11s to Under-16s and will now be leading the line at United for the Under-18s. A strong start from Kesh saw him picking out the top corner with an absolute worldie to get his first Under-18 goal during pre-season. When asked about what to expect, he replied with: “I’m a person that just wants to score goals, as a striker that’s what you’re meant to do and have to do for the team."
Kevin Appiah
“Calm and composed on the ball and someone who doesn't give possession away very often,” said Kevin about his game. Kevin Appiah is a dynamic and electric midfielder, continuing his Oxford United journey, starting all the way back in Under-9s. Being transformed from a striker into a defensive midfielder, Kevin has had quite the change during his time at the Club and we can’t wait to see what he can bring to the midfield this season. Winning the Under-16 Players’ Player of the Year last season and getting minutes for the U-18s, it’s an exciting season ahead for Kevin.
Riley Dourish
An attacker looking to make his mark in Under-18s football, Riley is an electric winger that can play upfront when needed. Another regular face at the Club, joining us from the young age of nine, Riley featured seven times for the Under-18s last season and will be looking to make serious waves in the front line this season. When asked on signing the scholar, Riley replied: “It's such a special feeling. I've been here for eight years, coming into my ninth which means the world to me with such a special group to do it with."
Will Jackson
A goalkeeper already with Under-18s experience. Will came in last season for the U nder-18s after an injury to Ajae Patel, giving him valuable experience for the season ahead. Joining at 15 after playing for PSA Academy, he became a regular for the Under-16s and a back-up to Ajae at Under-18 level. When asked about signing his scholar, Will replied: “I’m excited, buzzing to get going with a long season ahead. I'm just ready to get started."
Woodley Osborne
“Pace, strength, power, everything physically," are Woodley's words. Woodley is a natural left back that joined United in Under-15s after a successful trial period at the club. Playing grassroots most of his life, he went on several different trials before making the move to Oxford. On signing the contract, Woodley said: “ I’m over the moon, it’s a big moment for me and my path to the main goal of becoming a professional."
