YOUNG people from across Oxford are being given the chance to take up a new sport at free coaching sessions starting this week.

Oxford United have teamed up with the city council’s Youth Ambition programme for the scheme, which is open to 15 to 21-year-olds and runs for ten weeks in five locations.

It started last night at Sunnymead Park, Cutteslowe.

Sessions run from 6pm to 8pm and will take place at Sunnymead Park, Cutteslowe, on Mondays, Barton Pavilion on Tuesdays, Rose Hill Recreation Ground on Wednesdays, Fry’s Hill Park, Greater Leys, on Thursdays, and Wood Farm field behind Forresters Tower on Fridays.

Oxford City Council spokesman Chofamba Sithole said: “The programme aims to increase young people’s activity levels and well being, as well as achieving wider outcomes such as accessing training opportunities and improving career prospects.

“The sessions will have a football focus but new and exciting sports will be introduced as well to encourage young people to try a new sport and broaden their horizons.”

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Oxford United community development manager Rob Lees, above, said: “It’s a very exciting project and the partnership with Youth Ambition allows us to make a difference to young people in five key areas of Oxford.

“We aim to help young people to broaden their perception of their own capabilities, stimulate ambition and make a positive contribution to their community.”

The sessions will be run by FA qualified Oxford United coaches and U’s centre back Michael Raynes will be involved along with Oxford United Women’s team member Katie Stanley.

For more, visit oxford.gov.uk/communitysport

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