BRADWORTHY footballer, Ian Sampson, has been offered a professional contract with Oxford United.

Right back Ian Sampson, along with midfielder Richard Groves of Torquay, will be offered pro deals at the end of their scholarships.

Eighteen year old Ian, the youngest son of John and Margaret Sampson of Bradworthy, began playing football when he was a pupil at the village primary school. At the age of eight, Ian joined his elder brothers, Steve and Michael in the school's football team.

Mrs Sampson said: "Ever since he was a little tacker all he wanted to do was kick a ball."

At a young age Ian also began playing football for the Barnstaple Centre of Excellence which aims to develop young players' talents. Ian was spotted by John James, the Youth Development Officer and Youth Scout for Plymouth Argyle, when playing at Sandymere, Northam.

Ian played with the Plymouth Argyle Centre of Excellence from the age of 11 to 16. He trained two days a week, playing youth matches on Saturday.

Unfortunately Ian was not kept on at Plymouth Argyle. When he was released from Argyle at 16, fellow Bradworthy resident and Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell contacted other clubs to tell them about Ian. This resulted in six weeks of trials with Oxford United.

Ian shone at the trials and was offered a two year scholarship, along with fellow Argyle Youth footballer Richard Groves.

Mrs Sampson said: "He finished school, was home for six weeks and then went off to Oxford."

Ian trains with Oxford every week day before playing a match on Saturday. He has been combining his football with his A Level studies and is also on his way to achieving his Level 2 coaching badge.

Ian was named Oxford United's 'Young Player of the Year' 2007/08. A proud Mrs Sampson said: "He's done really well."

Ian is currently out on loan to Didcot Town where he has already made an impression. Ian scored the club's quickest ever goal in December — scoring after only 17 seconds!

Ian has been offered a contract at Oxford along with Richard, who he also shares a house with. Mrs Sampson said: "It's really nice to think Richard's got in as well because they were together at Plymouth and they went off to Oxford together."

Mrs Sampson added: "Perhaps not getting in with Plymouth was meant to be. It's all worked out for the better."

Ian said he was thoroughly enjoying being at Oxford and was delighted to have been offered a professional contract. "It's a good club to play for," he said.

Being a footballer was all he ever wanted to do, Ian added: "I never thought of doing anything else."

Youth Development Officer Les Taylor said: "Ian and Richard deserve their chance. They have both done ever so well at under 18 level and have impressed while they have been training with the first team."

Manager Chris Wilder said last week: "The lads have been training with us and Ian and Richard were on the bench last weekend. They are still raw and have plenty to learn but they are hard working, have great attitudes, and provided they listen to advice they now have a great opportunity with us."

Oxford United are currently eighth in the Conference.