Oxford United’s Billy Bodin, Marvin Johnson, Kane Hemmings and Jordan Graham are among 45 free agents at the PFA’s week-three pre-season camp, a fully funded programme designed to keep out-of-contract players match-fit and visible to clubs.
What happened?
The Professional Footballers’ Association runs residential pre-season camps for free agents who finished last season on professional contracts. The camps mirror a club pre-season schedule, with daily pitch sessions, strength work, recovery and friendly matches against EFL sides and academy teams. This year’s camp runs for roughly 10–12 weeks over the summer, with about 30–40 players each week.
Bodin, Johnson, Hemmings and Graham are the four former Oxford United players in week three. The camp is free for participants and offers a “shop window” for scouts and managers.
Why it matters for Oxford United
The PFA camp helps unattached pros stay sharp while they chase new deals. Oxford United’s recent Championship form sits at 22nd with 47 points from 46 games and a recent run of LWLLW, so every extra pair of eyes on talent is useful.
Bodin joined Oxford in June 2021, scored six league goals in his first season and signed a two-year deal in June 2022. After promotion to the Championship he left at the end of 2023–24 and now plays for Swindon Town. Johnson arrived in August 2016 for a then-club record around £650,000 and featured in the 2017 EFL Trophy final at Wembley. Hemmings signed in July 2016 for a six-figure fee, spent a season on loan at Mansfield Town and later moved to Notts County. Graham joined on loan from Wolves in September 2015 and later made the move permanent.
How the camp works
The PFA covers all costs, including accommodation and kit. Players train in a club-style environment with scheduled friendlies against EFL and academy sides. Hundreds of free agents have landed new deals after being scouted at past camps, making the programme a proven route back into the game.
Oxford United sit 48 points behind league leaders Coventry and need every available option to tighten their Championship survival push. The U’s next fixture is at home to AFC Wimbledon on 9 January 2027.
