Students who graduate from Velocity Football often go on to fulfil a variety of careers in the sports sector.
Recent graduates have secured roles in sports coaching, sports analysis, the media and even realised their dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Kyle Bestley earned three distinction grades from our two-year Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport programme. He joined our full-time educational academy in 2015 and combined full-time football training with work towards an industry recognised qualification.
Now, the 23-year-old is back where it all started after he joined our sister company Ignite Training as an Apprenticeship Tutor and Sports Coach in August.
No two days are the same for Kyle. His latest role involves delivering Ignite’s Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprenticeship, coaching Oxford City Football Club’s Junior and Youth teams and working with Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupils all while supporting the provision of sport across Oxfordshire.
Kyle explained the Velocity programme helped him develop key life skills including discipline, organisation and adapting to different scenarios – qualities he is now required to use daily.
“I decided to leave sixth form and my passion for sport led me to the Velocity programme,” said Kyle. “My football really improved because of the quality training we received daily. Our team reached the third round of the FA Youth Cup and there was a moment where I considered really pushing to turn professional.
“But like most players at my age then, my dream never materialised. That is why the Velocity programme is so valuable, though.
“I was young, ambitious, and had a dream to play football professionally like most of my classmates. Studying with Velocity allowed me to pursue that dream while gaining a sports-based qualification that has led me to the career I am in now.”
After graduating, Kyle worked in the fitness industry – gaining experience in duty management – before progressing his career at a SEN school where he worked as a member of support staff for three years.
Now, he is tutoring the next generation of sports-based coaches through his work with Ignite Training.
“I really enjoy my job,” added Kyle. “I feel like I’ve experienced the full circle – from student to graduate, employee and now tutor. I’ve experienced all perspectives.
“Velocity Football taught me skills I apply to my work every day. Engaging with people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities means I must be able to adapt my delivery and communication every day.
“Velocity Football definitely sparked my interest in my current career pathway. I would recommend the programme as an alternative to sixth form or college to everyone.”
Justin Merritt, CEO of Ignite Training and Director of Velocity Football, added: “Kyle is a valuable member of our team, and it has been great to monitor his personal and professional development over the last six years.
“He excelled at Velocity Football, achieving top grades in our Level 3 BTEC programme. His attitude and hard-working approach have been transitioned into his professional career with Ignite Training.
“Kyle’s story demonstrates the true value of enrolling with Velocity and how it provides young people with a proven pathway to fulfil a career in sport.”
