Oxfordshire Football Association is delighted to reveal that one of our long-standing County Youth Cups is to be renamed in honour of former Oxford United player, coach and caretaker manager, Mickey Lewis, as part of a new sponsorship agreement with Isinglass Consulting.

The U15 Youth Cup, which next season will celebrate its 20th anniversary, will immediately be renamed the Mickey Lewis U15 Youth Cup, sponsored by Isinglass Consulting.

Mickey, who made 350 league appearances for Oxford United between 1988 and 1999, passed away following a short battle with lung cancer in 2021, aged just 56. During his time as a U’s player, Mickey was a key figure in their promotion to the old Second Division in 1996. Later serving as a coach, which included two spells as caretaker manager, Mickey was part of the staff that led the club back into the Football League via the Conference Play-Off final in 2010.

Even after leaving the U’s in 2015, Mickey coached Abingdon Town, Oxford City, Oxford University, Stonesfield Strikers and Summertown Stars locally, developing young players within the county and expanding his impact on Oxfordshire football. 

As we approach the 140th anniversary of Oxfordshire FA, we’re honoured to provide this fitting tribute to somebody so highly respected and much-missed, driven and supported by our new County Cup sponsor, Isinglass Consulting.

Established in 2007 and based in Stonesfield, West Oxfordshire, Isinglass Consulting are specialists in providing a full range of pension services to employers, trustees, and pension providers throughout the country.

Paul Charles, Owner and Director of Isinglass Consulting, said: “The U15 Youth Cup celebrates the legacy of Mickey Lewis, a true football legend who ignited countless young players and coaches to become the best version of themselves. Mickey’s love for football went beyond the field. He has an unparalleled ability to inspire those around him, pushing them to reach new heights, on and off the pitch. Many players and coaches’ lives were forever changed by Mickey’s infectious passion and enjoyment for the beautiful game. Family, friends, and everyone he inspired, feel blessed to have had Mickey in our lives. Through the community of football, we celebrate Mickey’s legacy.”

Jonathan Duckworth, Chief Executive Officer of Oxfordshire FA, added: “Mickey made a massive contribution to Oxfordshire football. His impact continues to inspire future generations of footballers, and we would like to thank everyone at Isinglass Consulting for their support in helping pay tribute to such a legend of local football.”

The Mickey Lewis U15 Youth Cup, sponsored by Isinglass Consulting, becomes the latest County Cup competition to be renamed in honour of dedicated servants to football within the county. This follows on from the John Fathers Junior Shield, Sam Waters Sunday Cup, Patrick O’Flanagan Memorial Veterans Cup, Joe Roughton U18 Youth Cup, Steve Simmonds U14 Youth Cup, and Ron Smith U13 Youth Cup.

For more information on Oxfordshire FA’s County Cup competitions, please click here

To learn more about Isinglass Consulting, please visit www.isinglass.uk.com