OXFORD United’s youngsters are preparing for a glamorous pre-season tour which will see them take on Atletico Madrid’s rising stars.

The squad depart on Sunday for a two-week trip which also includes sessions taken by Real Madrid coaches at the European giant’s training ground.

United are one of three clubs, along with Reading and Bristol City, to be selected by League Football Education, who sponsor the trip.

After applying unsuccessfully in previous years to the body, which aims to help apprentices develop, this time the U’s have hit the jackpot.

Leon Blackmore-Such, who coaches the under 18s with Andy Whing, said: “It’s priceless.

“Most of the lads haven’t experienced anything like that before and when you mention Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as well it adds to the excitement.

“It might have helped us get a couple of first-year scholars to sign with us.

“Working with clubs like Real Madrid and playing against Atletico and two other Spanish clubs is going to be a massive eye-opener for our players and we can’t wait to get started.”

The visit is a mix of football and learning Spanish culture, including some language lessons.

United’s 17-strong squad will use La Ciuded del Futbol complex, home to Spain’s national side, as their base.

The clash with Atletico is on August 2 and is one of three games scheduled for United, who will also face youth teams from CD Leganes and Alcorcon.

The steep learning curve will not just apply to the players.

Whing is at the start of his coaching career, 12 months after retiring from playing, and the former U’s midfielder cannot wait to see his counterparts from Real Madrid and Spain in action.

He said: “We are playing against teams who play a different style of football and we’ll be learning from them as coaches.

“It’s an unbelievable trip really and it’s a good sign for the whole club to have this recognition.

“I obviously went away in pre-season as a player, but I never went on tours at their age.

“To be 16 and going to train at Real Madrid is amazing.”