A Velocity Football graduate who was one of the first female students to enrol onto the revamped programme has accepted a full-time role with its sister company Ignite Sport.
Tia Herbert joined Velocity in September 2020 and studied a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport qualification by combining education with competitive matches and full-time training.
The 19-year-old graduated last summer and has since accepted a role as Junior Administrator with Ignite Sport where she assists with the smooth operation of events.
Her key responsibilities include handling general enquiries, greeting and assisting site visitors, organising onsite events and off-site trips, dealing with work experience applications and more.
It’s a new challenge for Tia who is also in charge of organising Velocity Football’s first European tour to Marbella in July which requires her to work closely with her former coaches and tutors who supported her during her time on the programme.
“I’m really pleased with my role and colleagues,” said Tia. “My time at Velocity Football was great for me, so when I saw the role advertised I was keen to continue my development with Ignite.
“Every day is different and my key responsibilities mean I get to work behind the scenes with lots of different people ensuring events are planned and operate smoothly.
“The biggest learning curve for me has been time management and prioritising my workload. We could have multiple jobs which need completing at the same time, so deciding how and when to tackle each task is important to working efficiently.
“My colleagues have been really helpful and welcoming, and I enjoy that Ignite is supportive in helping people progress their careers via apprenticeships which I’d like to explore in the future.”
Revamped three years ago, Velocity Football allows students to play, train, learn and achieve on one site at Oxford City FC and is open to both male and female students aged 16-23.
The programme’s content allows students to explore various careers in sport, including coaching, nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports analysis, the media and more.
Recent graduates of the programme have used their skills and qualifications to begin full-time employment like Tia, while others have opted to continue with education by enrolling into university.
The programme also supports the on-field development of players with outstanding footballing ability, with Bristol City’s Ewan Clark the latest graduate to fulfil his dream of playing the game professionally.
“Velocity Football was a great steppingstone for me,” said Tia. “Not only did the programme help me establish contacts which led to my current full-time job, but also I built skills and friends for life.
“The programme is hands on which really appealed to me and combining full-time training and matches with education helped me both on the pitch and in the classroom.
“I’d recommend Velocity Football to anyone considering a career in sport, whether it be a role on or off the pitch.”
Further information about Velocity Football and its full-time educational academy supporting 16 to 23-year-old’s interested in a career in sport will be available at its upcoming Open Event.
The Open Event will be held at the RAW Charging Stadium on Wednesday, March 29, from 6pm and explain more about the programme’s content and allow visitors to meet coaches and tutors.
Those interested in attending can sign-up by clicking here and completing our online form.
