School leavers interested in pursuing a career in sport are invited to learn about the sector’s career pathways and opportunities this month at Velocity Football’s dedicated Open Event.
The Marston-based full-time educational academy will open its doors on Wednesday, March 29, from 6pm and provide prospective students with a practical insight into its sixth form and further education courses, apprenticeships and alternative provision programmes.
Revamped in August 2020, Velocity Football is the only programme of its kind in Oxford and teaches male and female students aged 16-23.
Courses support the academic and on-field development of students by blending education with full-time training and competitive matches representing Oxford City FC against other football academies based in the south.
Justin Merritt, Director of Velocity Football, said: “Velocity Football provides students with a proven development pathway to fulfil a rewarding career in sport or further their education.
“There are many shining examples of graduates who have used Velocity as a steppingstone to enrol onto university while others have started employment, and some continued their education onsite via an apprenticeship with our sister company Ignite Sport.
“We’ve been fortunate to work with players of outstanding quality too who have fulfilled their ultimate ambition by signing contracts with professional clubs having developed with Velocity and our club partner, Oxford City FC.
“By combining studies and full-time training sessions with access to the latest technology, learners can reach their full potential on and off the pitch and aspire to careers including coaching, teaching, psychology, physiotherapy, the media and more.
“We’d encourage anyone with a genuine enthusiasm for sport who wants to enhance their prospects of working in the industry to attend our Open Event where we hope to see as many prospective students as possible.”
Among recent graduates of the Velocity programme is Ewan Clark, who signed his first professional contract with Bristol City FC last summer after making several appearances for Oxford City FC.
The teenager enrolled onto Velocity following his release from Watford’s academy and advised students interested in football and sport generally to sign-up.
“I loved every minute of my time at Velocity,” said Ewan. “Of course, I take my football very seriously and thrived playing at the level I was involved in. But some of my classmates had no interest in playing professionally and opted to go down the sports career routes instead.
“That’s why I’d encourage anyone leaving school this summer to sign-up because you get the best of both worlds. I owe a lot to the pathway established between Velocity and Oxford City FC as that ultimately led to my time playing in National League South which opened the door to Bristol City.”
If you’d like to attend Velocity Football’s Open Event on Wednesday, March 29, at the RAW Charging Stadium, please visit www.velocityfootball.co.uk/contact-us and complete the sign-up form to register.
