Velocity Football student Ethan Gough has sampled by the magic of the FA Cup, just weeks after enrolling with the full-time education programme.
The 17-year-old was in the Oxford City FC first team squad in the National League South club’s three successful FA Cup qualifying matches. It resulted in the club progressing to the first round of the cup and securing a televised tie against League One club Northampton Town.
Ethan was an unused sub for City’s second and third qualifying round wins over Royal Wootton Bassett and Tamworth respectively. The goalkeeper travelled with the first team again on Saturday, October 24, as National League club Weymouth were beaten 2-3 thanks to Louis Hall’s late winner.
The second-year teenage student’s appearances on the bench for City were made possible thanks to the strong partnership Velocity Football has with the club. Ethan impressed Velocity Football head coach Mickey Lewis, who accelerated his pathway to join City training. He made a strong impression on City boss David Oldfield who put him into the first team squad for the FA Cup qualifiers.
The experience Ethan has gained throughout City’s FA Cup campaign to date epitomises how Velocity Football aims to develop players via its full-time BTEC and higher education programmes.
Velocity Football director Justin Merritt said: “It’s a real joy for everyone at Velocity Football to see Ethan develop so quickly and seize the opportunity.
“Two months ago, Ethan enrolled on our BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport programme. He has worked hard, applied himself, listened to his coaches and deserved his opportunity to progress.
“He will have learnt a lot from training with City and being in the matchday squad. That experience is invaluable, and it is important he continues to work hard. This is what Velocity Football is about, providing a career pathway in sport and nurturing our students to develop.”
In addition to Ethan’s achievements, fellow Velocity Football student Tyan Hawkins, 17, has also been training regularly with the first team and is now a member of Oxford City’s U23s squad.
Velocity Football’s male programme head coach Mickey Lewis was thrilled with the progress both players have made.
He said: “Ethan is a fantastic shot-stopper and he fully deserved his place on the team sheet for Oxford City’s FA Cup run. By training each day with the Velocity programme, Ethan has been able to learn how to command his box with more authority during a game.
“Tyan meanwhile is an excellent leader both on and off the pitch. As part of his development, Velocity Football has helped facilitate Tyan’s opportunity to train with Oxford City FC’s first team.
“In addition, he has played excellently for the U23s team too. Tyan is a fantastic prospect who is so desperate to learn more.”
Oxford City continue their FA Cup campaign on Monday night live on BT Sport when Northampton Town visit. The fixture will mark the fourth successive year that Oxford City have reached the FA Cup first round.
Velocity Football is a revamped full-time educational academy led by UEFA A and B Licence coaches that combines football and sport business with academia.
If you would like to learn more about the education programmes we provide, you can sign up to attend our Virtual Open Event on Tuesday, November 10, at 7pm.
The open event will provide more information about Velocity Football and the courses and opportunities the programme provides to students.
To confirm your spot, visit our sign-up page or call 0300 303 0890.
