Oxford City FC’s New Development Team Scores a Sponsorship with Fortitude Communications

Oxford City Football Club is taking strides in nurturing budding football talent with the introduction of a new development squad.

Aimed at strengthening the club’s player progression strategy, the development team serves as a conduit, bridging junior teams with the U23s and the first team.

Stepping up to back this youth-focused initiative is the Oxford-based PR and Marketing agency, Fortitude Communications. Fans and followers will spot Fortitude’s emblem emblazoned on the home and away shirts of the team.

Competing in the Hellenic League Division Two, the development team has kicked off with a robust start, registering nine wins in 13 matches and netting 50 goals. In addition, they’ve marked their spot in the FA Youth Cup First Round Proper.

Highlighting the ethos behind this move, Kevin Squirrell, the Development Team Manager at Oxford City FC, remarked, “The objective is to provide young players with an opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and develop themselves in a senior league. The ultimate aim is to develop players so they either progress into our first team or a senior team within local Oxfordshire football. We really appreciate the backing of Fortitude Communications; they’ve been so supportive. It makes such a difference and ensures we could provide the team with kit.”

Adding to the club’s perspective, Justin Merritt, Oxford City FC Director, shared, “Creating the development team was an important part of our continued strategy to provide young people with opportunities and to strengthen our pathway. We also wanted to create the same structure and pathway for male and female players. It’s always rewarding to see local players improve themselves as people and develop careers. Fortitude understands the importance of this and the partnership is based on shared values.”

Expressing Fortitude’s alignment with this venture, Greig Box Turnbull, Director of Fortitude Communications, commented, “We’re proud to support this exciting new part of Oxford City FC. Providing a strong support network for youngsters to help them progress makes such a difference and it’s something we believe in, so it was a good fit for the agency. We wish the team every success on-going.”

For those unfamiliar, Fortitude Communications boasts a multifaceted service portfolio encompassing PR, marketing, and video production. Established by ex-Daily Mirror journalist and former Managing Director of Oxford United Football Club, Greig Box Turnbull, the agency caters to a plethora of sectors like sport, corporate, hospitality, property, and healthcare, offering an array of communications services.