School leavers who remain undecided about their next steps are being encouraged to learn more about a post GCSE programme in Oxford for those who want a career in sport.
Based at Oxford City FC in Marston, Velocity Football works with male and female learners aged 16 or older and blends full-time training with competitive matches, sport business and industry studies.
The programme supports aspirational footballers by helping them reach their true potential on the pitch while gaining qualifications which provide a pathway to employment, apprenticeships, scholarships and university courses when they graduate.
Modules include coaching, sports psychology, nutrition, injury prevention, content creation and professional skills with contents delivered by a team of experienced and qualified tutors and coaches.
With an estimated 70 per cent of secondary school students unsure about what they want to do for a career, former player turned Head of Football at Velocity Eddie Odhiambo confirmed limited spaces to enrol on the programme this year remain open.
“Leaving school can be quite daunting for some – particularly those who are undecided on the career pathway they want to take,” said Eddie.
“Sport resonates with a lot of young minds, and year on year we see talented young people use their enthusiasm for the sector to unearth a passion which they can begin to build a career around.
“We’ve nurtured and progressed young footballers with outstanding talent to a point where they’re now living the dream playing professionally. But primarily, we’re here to create well-rounded individuals who can achieve equally fulfilling careers in a range of sport roles.
“This year marks Velocity’s fifth season combining training with fixtures and studies. Only a very limited number of spaces remain available to book, so for those interested in learning more about our last-minute spaces we encourage you to get in touch.”
Among those to graduate from Velocity Football this summer is former Cherwell School pupil Brayden Daniel. The teenager is now a full-time member of Oxford City FC’s National League South squad and studies a Level 3 coaching apprenticeship too.
He said: “The pathway connecting Velocity Football to Oxford City is really strong – I’ve had the opportunity to train, travel and represent the first team which otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.
“I’m still chasing the dream of playing professionally, and the support of Velocity has helped facilitate that.”
Tia Herbert was one of the first to enrol onto a Velocity programme in 2020 and now works as a Business Support Officer with sister company Ignite Sport.
She added: “Velocity was a great steppingstone for me, not only did it help me establish contacts which led to my current full-time job but I also 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.”
Anyone interested in learning more about signing up to Velocity Football can email [email protected] or call 0300 303 0890.
