Oxfordshire Regional Talent Centre is committed to creating clear, accessible and appropriate entry points for players at every stage of their development. Our trials and recruitment process is designed to identify potential, support progression and place players in the environment that best suits their current needs.

Whether you are aspiring to join a JPL squad, looking for additional training, or taking your first steps into structured football, there are multiple ways to become part of the Oxfordshire RTC family.

Our Recruitment Philosophy

At Oxfordshire RTC, recruitment is about more than ability alone. We look at the whole player, including attitude, effort, mindset and long-term potential. Our aim is not simply to select players, but to guide them into the right programme at the right time, ensuring development, confidence and enjoyment remain at the centre of the experience.

Not every player’s journey is linear, and we actively support movement across programmes as players grow and develop.

Finding the Right Starting Point

Not every player will enter Oxfordshire RTC at the same level, and that is entirely expected. Through trials, training observations and ongoing communication, we work closely with players and parents to recommend the most appropriate programme and support each individual journey.

Our pathway is designed to be supportive, flexible and transparent, ensuring every player has a clear understanding of where they are and how they can continue to develop.

Movement Between the Pathway

Progression at Oxfordshire RTC is not fixed or linear. Players are regularly reviewed and may move between the pathway as their development, confidence and readiness change. Our aim is always to place players in the environment that best supports their long-term growth, rather than making decisions based solely on short-term performance.

JPL SquaD Specific Trials (April – June)

Our main recruitment window for JPL Squads takes place annually between April and June, ahead of the forthcoming season. During this period, players are assessed through structured trial sessions that reflect the demands and expectations of the JPL programme.

These trials allow us to:

• Observe players over multiple sessions
• Assess technical ability, game understanding and attitude
• Ensure players are placed appropriately within the pathway

Information regarding dates, venues and registration is shared in advance of each trial window.

Recruitment Outside the Trial Window

Outside of the April–June period, availability within JPL Squads is limited. However, we always welcome expressions of interest.

Where appropriate, players will be invited to:

• Train with an existing squad
  
• Experience the RTC environment and expectations
  
• Receive guidance on the most suitable programme within the club

In many cases, players may be directed towards Development Squads, Pre-Academy, Soccer Schools or Camps as a pathway into future opportunities.

Other Ways to Join Oxfordshire RTC

Players do not need to join directly through trials to become part of Oxfordshire RTC. Entry points include:

• Pre-Academy (U5–U8) | Aimed at players aspiring towards future performance football
  
• Development Centres & Squads (U9-U16)| Structured training and games outside JPL
  
• Soccer Schools (4 to 8 year olds) | Foundation-level introduction to football
  
• Holiday Camps (4 to 16 year olds) | Open access development opportunities

Each programme is aligned to the same values, curriculum and standards, allowing players to progress naturally over time.