Banbury United Academy has been crowned Tac Tic League T3 North champions after securing a crucial point against Brackley Town this afternoon. This achievement marks back-to-back league titles for the academy side, further solidifying their dominance in the competition.

The academy, which is linked with Banbury and Bicester College, provides young footballers with the opportunity to complete their qualifications while representing Banbury United on the pitch. Their impressive season saw them compete against six other teams, including Brackley Town, Oxford City, and Procision Oxford.

Banbury United Academy finished the campaign with an outstanding record—winning nine, drawing two, and losing just once. A key factor in their success has been their formidable home form, as they remained unbeaten at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium throughout the league season, turning it into a true fortress.

Moment of the Season

One of the defining moments of the campaign came in February, away at Procision Oxford. At a crucial point in the season, Banbury United needed a win to maintain their title push. The game took a dramatic turn just before halftime when the team was reduced to 10 men, making an already difficult task even harder.

However, after the break, the players showed incredible fight, energy, and discipline, fully understanding their roles both on and off the ball. Lewis Middleton fired Banbury into the lead with a superb strike from just outside the penalty area, but Procision quickly equalized, shifting the momentum in their favor.

With the game heading for a draw, Olly Ward produced a stunning 96th-minute winner, sparking wild celebrations on and off the pitch. The victory perfectly summed up what this academy is all about—not necessarily having the best players in the league, but showing fight, desire, and a willingness to win games in the most important moments.

Coach’s Reflection

Reflecting on the achievement, Ryan Jones, Banbury United Community Manager and Academy Coach, praised the players and staff for their hard work:

> “This season has been challenging in so many ways, as it always seems to be with us, but we have improved many aspects of our academy programme—including an improved training facility and introducing breakfast on Wednesday mornings before games. The players have worked extremely hard all season and somehow always find ways to surprise us in different ways!

> A massive thank you has to go to Mike Ford, the manager, for pushing both players and staff to reach the goals set prior to the season starting. Like last year, this is a cause for huge celebration. From where we started five or six years ago, we have come an extremely long way, so a massive congratulations to everyone involved.”

Manager’s Message

Mike Ford, Banbury United Academy Manager and Banbury & Bicester College Tutor, also reflected on the team’s remarkable achievement:
This is an incredible feat, and it's a testament to the dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit of our young athletes and coaching staff.
This season has been a masterclass in Grit and Resilience, Facing tough opponents and challenging circumstances, our players consistently demonstrated the mental fortitude needed to overcome adversity. They never gave up, fighting for every ball and every point.

- Hard Work and Commitment: The hours of training, the travel, the sacrifices, and the unwavering commitment to improvement have paid off. Their dedication to perfecting their skills and tactics is truly inspiring.

- Accountability: Our players took ownership of their actions, both on and off the field. They understood the importance of responsibility and the impact it has on team success.

- Problem-Solving and Teamwork: When faced with obstacles, they worked together to find solutions, leveraging each other's strengths and supporting each other through every challenge. They proved that a united team is an unstoppable force.

- Finding a Winning Formula: The players and coaching staff continually analyzed, adapted, and refined their approach. This ability to innovate and evolve was crucial to their sustained success.

> This victory is a reflection of the core values we strive to uphold at Activate Learning. It highlights the power of perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

> Please join us in congratulating the players, coaches, and everyone involved in the Academy's success. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.

> We have tough times at work, and life can be difficult—coming together as we have done, aligned to a common goal, makes it all worthwhile. Well done all of us.”

What’s Next?

Now, with the league title secured, the team will shift focus to the next challenge—a playoff match against other teams from different Tier 3 regions of the Tac Tic League. As the northernmost team in the competition, Banbury United Academy could face opponents from as far afield as London, Portsmouth, and Dorset in their bid for further success.

If you would like to join our academy next season, please contact Mike Ford, the college tutor, at Mike.ford@activatelearning.ac.uk. We will be holding an additional open event after the Easter holidays—keep an eye on our social media pages for future updates!

Congratulations to the players, coaches, and everyone involved in another fantastic season!