The naturally athletic eight year old from Raymond Terrace added soccer to his sporting resume two years ago.

He played two seasons with the Raymond Terrace Soccer Club but next year will move to a higher level after being selected for Hunter Valley Football’s skills acquisition (SAP) program.

Oxford, who is a goal keeper, was selected for the Hunter Valley Hawks SAP under nine boys squad in October.

“This is the first year he trialled for anything so we didn’t expect much,” said Oxford’s mother, Lea McLaren.

“It was more for a learning experience and to see if he was still interested.”

While a greater distance away than Newcastle, McLaren said the Hunter Valley organisation’s trials, held in Cessnock, were less competitive than the cities.

The SAP trials were held throughout October.

Oxford trialled alongside 80 other children.

His selection for the squad will build up his basic football skill levels.

By being selected for the SAP squad, Oxford’s opportunities at advancing his soccer career have expanded.

The SAp program is a professionally delivered development opportunity for young footballers in NSW.

It underpins the NSW men and women’s National Premier League competitions.

By taking part in the SAP program, Oxford would get a look in if he trailed for the Emerging Jets.

If, later in his career, he was selected for the Emerging Jets it would provide him even greater opportunities if he wished to pursue professional football.

After selection Oxford immediately started training in Cessnock twice a week. After Christmas, SAP training will be held three nights a week.

It will mean the eight year old, who attends Grahamstown Public School, will need to give up other sporting pursuits such as bowling.

The Hunter Valley Hawks SAP teams will face other SAP teams from other football organisations such as Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Oxford said he was happy playing soccer and watching it on the weekends. For more information on the Hunter Valley SAP squads go huntervalleyfootball.com.au.