Oxford United have offered three of their academy players professional contracts for next season. Centre-half Sam Long, left-back David Lynn and striker Callum O’Dowda have all been offered deals to join up with the first team after their impressive displays for the Under-18s side this campaign.

The youngsters have all been at the club since the age of nine and have helped Chris Allen’s side end the season as runners-up in the league, whilst enjoying a largely successful FA Youth Cup run.

They will join fellow youth team graduates Max Crocombe, who has established himself as United’s goalkeeper in the last two matches, and Tyrone Marsh who scored his first senior goal for the Yellow’s against Southend United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy earlier this year.

Long, Lynn and O’Dowda will form part of the Development Squad which will begin next season, playing competitive games against senior sides to strengthen their progress from the ranks of youth football.

Head of the club’s Youth and Community Trust Simon Lenagan said: “It is fantastic news and we offer our warmest congratulations to the three players. It is the result of a great deal of hard work, not only by them but by all of the coaches and staff that have helped them progress over the last few years”.

“That hard work will continue as they make the step up to being professional footballers.

“We firmly believe in investing in the best local young players and Oxford United has a great tradition of bringing youngsters into the team. The fans identify them and we are sure that they will give them all the encouragement they needs as and when they appear in the first team”.

One of the delighted youth graduates, Callum O’Dowda was speaking on behalf of the three lads; “I think all three of us are still buzzing after being told today.

“We are local lads and to be offered this opportunity is something we have dreamed of since we first started playing in the under 9s. For all three of us to get the chance together is the icing on the cake”.