The 17-year-old has inked a two-year scholarship deal to play for Oxford City Football Club.

The scholarship agreement will see the hard-working midfielder train twice a day, four-days a week and play for Oxford’s under 21 side on the weekends.

Pappas is also undertaking a Diploma in Sport course while in the UK.

‘’It is pretty full on but I’m really excited about this opportunity,’’ Pappas said.

A former Kiama junior, Pappas played in the Illawarra Premier League first grade competition last season with Kemblawarra.

But it was his exploits at a special Illawarra Football Academy camp earlier in 2016 which indirectly led to Pappas signing with Oxford City FC.

Pappas impressed at the West Ham scouting camp in the Illawarra and was chosen to attend a national camp on the Gold Coast.

The former Wollongong Wolves youth player again impressed and was one of only three players from the Illawarra to be invited to travel to the West Ham academy in England.

‘’It was a great experience. West Ham is a big club. My ultimate goal is to play in the EPL (English Premier League) and represent Australia,’’ Pappas said.

After the camp, Pappas headed for Hibernian in Scotland, but first stopped off in Oxford to see family friends.

‘’While I was there I decided to see if they had any trial happening … luckily for me there was one on that night, so I went along and trialled,’’ he said.

‘’I went pretty good and a couple of days later they sent me an email offering me a two-year scholarship. I was very happy to take it.

‘’While I was in the UK I watched some EPL games including Man Utd versus Everton. The atmosphere was unbelievable. I’d love to play in that arena one day.’’

Manchester United supporter Pappas said he planned to work hard every day to give himself the best chance of kicking on to play professionally in Europe.

Oxford United Football Club play in England’s sixth tier competition,  the National Football League. Founded in 1882, The City turned professional in 1949. The club’s major highlight was winning the FA Amateur Cup in 1906.

Oxford play their home games at Marsh Lane, Marston, which has a ground capacity of just over 3200.

‘’I can’t wait to get there and start playing,’’ Pappas said. ‘’It’s not a huge club but it’s a great stepping stone for me. If I do well I’m sure I will get other opportunities.’’