The club's sporting ambitions reach at least the Championship level. When it comes to infrastructure aspirations, United want to possess their own stadium that could be built just north of the city.

The U's are currently in the third tier of English football (League One). Their home since 2001 is Kassam Stadium, which they only lease. The contract with the owner of the facility expires in 2026 and therefore the club has started to think about its future ground.

Oxford United's long-term plans include the construction of a stadium with a capacity of 18,000, although that is still a long way to go. Club officials have spent the past four years analysing potential locations for a new venue and finally been able to choose the one that will allow United to take a step forward.

© footballgroundz.co.uk

A few days ago, they issued a statement that the best of the locations under consideration is the Stratfield Brake sports and recreation area (5 km from the northern boundaries of Oxford). The site is situated south of Kidlington, close to Oxford Parkway rail station and the A34.

The club decided that the above-mentioned area is the best in terms of accessibility and would like to lease part of the land in this location for 250 years. The owner of the property is Oxfordshire County Council, to which representatives of Oxford United have already sent an official proposal to conclude an appropriate lease agreement.

On January 18, there will be a cabinet meeting at the county council to discuss whether the council should enter into negotiations with the club on building a stadium on the proposed site. If cabinet members of the council say "yes", Oxford United can submit a planning application to planning authority Cherwell District Council.

© Heather Ormsby

At the moment, there are two amateur clubs operating in Stratfield Brake: Kidlington Cricket Club and Gosford All Blacks (rugby). What's more, there are facilities for youth football teams. Oxford United officials say they will help improve the infrastructure for all of them if they get permission to build a stadium there.

In addition to the stadium, the club's proposal includes training facilities, sports facilities for the use of the local community, as well as a hotel, conference centre and commercial space. The investment may generate up to 800 new jobs.

Author: Tomasz Sobura