English FA Division II Oxford United return to Portsmouth, NH on Monday, July 23rd for their 2012/13 preseason tour. The players and staff will enjoy their stay through the end of the month with a full schedule ahead of them, including three matches, multiple training sessions each day, and community events.
Seacoast United will host the Oxford professional side as they did in 2011.
“We as a Club felt it was important to build on all of the positives resulting from last year’s preseason trip,” commented Seacoast United President & CEO Paul Willis. “It was beneficial to our organization as well as the Oxford United first team squad, and I am even more confident that a Seacoast United player will end up playing for Oxford in the near future. The relationship our organizations enjoy is unique amongst English and American clubs and we look forward to taking it a step further this summer.”
Other preseason matches on Oxford United’s schedule include Barclay’s Premier League club West Ham United and FA Cup finalist Cardiff City. The “U’s” kick off their 2012/13 League 2 regular season schedule on August 18th away at Bristol Rovers.
For the latest information on Oxford United's trip to Maine & NH, please visit www.seacoastunited.com/oxfordunited.
USA Preseason Match Schedule
Tuesday, July 24th vs. Seacoast United Mariners
Oxford United will travel to Thornton Academy in Saco, ME for their first preseason match of the tour to face Maine’s newest minor league team, the Seacoast United Mariners. In their first season within the National Premier Soccer League, the Mariners saw success in showcasing home-grown talent against competition from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island. The Mariners will host Oxford United on Tuesday, July 24th for a 7pm kickoff. Tickets are available online for the Mariners/Oxford United match by clicking here.
Friday, July 27th vs. Seacoast United Phantoms
On Friday, July 27th the “U’s” will play their 2nd preseason match against the Seacoast United Phantoms of the Premier Development League. This match will take place at the Phantoms’ home field of Portsmouth High School and kickoff is scheduled for 7pm. 50% of the gate receipts from this match will benefit the Chief Michael Maloney Memorial Fund and injured officers.
Monday, July 30th vs. New England All Stars "Jim Dedeus XI"
In their final match of the preseason tour, Oxford will face a team comprised of New England All-Stars in honor of New Hampshire Phantoms founder Jim Dedeus. The game will take place at Portsmouth High School at 7pm. These players will be from area teams competing in both the PDL and NPSL during the 2012 season.
Admission for all games is $5 and tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Oxford United/Seacoast United Golf Tournament Event
On Saturday, July 28th, Seacoast United will host a scramble-format golf tournament featuring Oxford United staff and players at Granite Fields Golf Club in Kingston, NH. Tournament fees are $135 per player and include all golf green fees, cart, use of driving range, dinner, contests & prizes, and a Nike/Seacoast United crewneck fleece. Each golfer will have the opportunity to spend a day on the golf course with the Oxford United organization, as each foursome will include an Oxford United player or staff member. Tee time is scheduled for 2pm with dinner immediately following. For full golf tournament details and online registration please click here. Questions on the Oxford United golf event can be emailed to Paul Willis atpwillis@seacoastunited.com or via phone at 603-758-7111.
About Seacoast United
Seacoast United was founded in 1992 and is based in Hampton, NH with facilities in Epping NH, Kingston NH, York ME, and Topsham ME. The Club is a member of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and the Northeast Pre-Academy League, as well as US Club Soccer, the New England Premiership, Granite State League, and USL’s Super Y League. Information on Seacoast United Soccer Club teams and programs can be found online at www.seacoastunited.com.
