Eddie Odhiambo, Head of Football at Velocity Football, reflects on the programme’s achievements in 2024 and what’s to come next year both on and off the pitch
September marked the beginning of Velocity’s fifth academic year since the programme was successfully revamped to mix football with sport business and academia at Oxford City FC.
Supporting learners to become the best version of themselves and reach their true potential on the pitch, in the classroom and professionally when they graduate has always been at the heart of what we do.
And this year has been no exception.
Not every learner has a true understanding of what they wish to do in life when leaving school. It genuinely is a great achievement to have the high retention rate we do. It is testament to our comprehensive enrolment process and personal development programme to supplement the qualification.
We’ve placed a much stronger emphasis on athletic development and injury prevention this term, which we are seeing the rewards of by consistently fielding four squads each week with no requirement to postpone fixtures.
I’m a big believer that allowing our learners to express themselves fully on the pitch ensures they are determined to be their best in the classroom, so the above is a significant step forwards for the programme and aligns with our three core values:
- Inclusivity
- Development
- Opportunity
A number of learners arrive at Velocity with the dream of one day playing football professionally – and that’s certainly achievable as proven by recent graduates Udoka Godwin-Malife, Ewan Clark and Jaydon Carbon.
Right now, 20 male learners are representing local clubs playing between steps three and five of the non-league football pyramid. On the girls side, Emily Harris has become a leading player for Oxford City FC, with several learners beneath her all capable of becoming first-team regulars.
We’re equally mindful a career on the pitch isn’t possible for everyone. It’s why we partnered with Two Circles – a data driven sports marketing agency which opened learners’ eyes to future careers in content creation, sponsorship, sales and marketing.
Personal development has even stretched to offering learners the opportunity to complete a mental health awareness course, providing them with the ability to support friends, colleagues and family who might be experiencing adversity.
I’ve seen first-hand the impact mental health issues can have on people, so providing opportunities of this kind was important to me and the rest of the team.
So, what’s to come in 2025?
We’re going back on tour first and foremost with a trip to Barcelona in June where all learners will have the chance to further strengthen the already positive relationships they’ve built this year.
A key phase of Velocity’s development next year will be the continued creation of partnerships both here in the UK and internationally to strengthen our recruitment, resources and opportunities we can provide to learners.
On behalf of the team at Velocity, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Eddie Odhiambo, Head of Football.